Analysis of fatal falls on the same level or on stairs/steps

Abstract

Nagata, H., 1991. Analysis of fatal falls on the same level or on stairs/steps. Safety Science, 14: 221–230 Since the elderly population employed in industries is increasing year by year, the number of occupational falls by the elderly are estimated to increase in Japan. In order to understand the effects of aging on fatal falls on the same level and on stairs/steps, cardinal trends of vital statistics in Japan covering fatal falls during the 40 years from 1950 to 1989 and involving all age groups are analyzed in this study. Data from 4093 death certificates or inquest notes over the 2 year period from 1979 to 1980 in Japan were analyzed by a computer. Most fatalities below the age of 64 suffered head injuries, and the elderly over the age of 65 were more liable to die from fractures of the femur or neck of the femur. Falls on the same level were liable to cause fractures of the lower limb bones on the elderly. This is considered to be caused by increasingly fragile bones. As the relationship between age and fatality rates become very linear on a logarithmic scale, exponential equations can be introduced. One equation was introduced for the effects of bone fragility after the age of 65. Another equation compared fatality rates after the age of 30. These equations will be important in understanding aging effects in relation to falls. We would like to persuade elderly employees to be more aware of their reduced ability to balance as a cause of fatal falls.