Abstract
Falls are extremely common in occupational settings. Intrinsic factors such as overexertion and extrinsic factors such as the supporting surface are causative factors of falls. The impact of prolonged exposure to a slippery surface on postural stability has not been previously studied. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of extended exposure to a dry and a slippery surface on postural stability. Eighteen males (age: 21.17 ± 3.38 years; height: 1.77 ± 0.08 m; mass: 89.81 ± 14.23 kg) were recruited and subjected to one-hour walking on a dry surface and a slippery surface on two different days. Participants’ balance was assessed using a force platform in stable and unstable conditions at 0, 30, and 60 min. Postural sway variables were analyzed using a 2 (surface) × 3 (time) repeated-measures ANOVA. Significant time main effects were observed in the stable condition with greater balance decrements at 30 and 60 min. Greater balance decrements were observed on the slippery surface compared to the dry surface in the unstable condition. The balance decrements can be attributed to overexertion due to the physiological workload of prolonged walking and to the potential gait modifications due to walking on the slippery surface.
Highlights
In the year 2017, a total of 887 fatal occupational falls and 227,760 nonfatal occupational falls were reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics [1,2]
These lethal falls accounted for 17% of the total occupational deaths and were the highest incidence of fall-related occupational deaths recorded in the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) in 26 years [1]
The results are favorable of greater balance decrements on the slippery surface
Summary
In the year 2017, a total of 887 fatal occupational falls and 227,760 nonfatal occupational falls were reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics [1,2]. These lethal falls accounted for 17% of the total occupational deaths and were the highest incidence of fall-related occupational deaths recorded in the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) in 26 years [1]. Work-related falls have been increasing over the years, threatening workers’ health, productivity, and quality of life [2]. Slips and trips leading to loss of balance have been identified as one of the major causative factors for falls in the workplace [2,5] and have been attributed to 14.8% (33,720 falls) of all occupational injuries in 2017 [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
