Occupational Slip Research Articles

Validation of a portable shoe tread scanner to predict slip risk

Problem: Worn shoes are an important contributor to occupational slip and fall injuries. Tools to assess worn tread are emerging; imaging tools offer the potential to assist. The aim of this study was to develop a shoe tread scanner and evaluate its effectiveness to predict slip risk. Methods: This study analyzed data from two previous studies in which worn or new slip-resistant shoes were donned during an unexpected slip condition. The shoe tread for each shoe was scanned using a portable scanner that utilized frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) technology. The shoe tread parameters of the worn region size (WRS) for worn shoes and total contact area for new shoes were measured. These parameters were then used to predict slip risk from the unexpected slip conditions. Results: The WRS was able to accurately predict slip risk, but the contact area was not. Discussion: These findings support that increased WRS on the shoe outsole is associated with worse slip outcomes. Furthermore, the tool was able to offer robust feedback across a wide range of tread designs, but the results of this study show that the tool may be more applicable for slip-resistant shoes that are worn compared to their new counterparts. Summary: This study shows that FTIR technology utilized in this tool may be a useful and portable method for determining slip risk for worn shoes. Practical Applications: This tool has the potential to be an efficient, objective, end-user tool that improves timely replacement of shoes and prevention of injuries.

Changes in under-shoe traction and fluid drainage for progressively worn shoe tread

Shoe wear is known to increase slipping risk, but few studies have systematically studied this relationship. This study investigated the impact of progressive shoe wear on the available coefficient of friction (ACOF) and under-shoe fluid dynamics. Five different slip-resistant shoes were progressively worn using an accelerated, abrasive, wear protocol. The ACOF and fluid forces (the load supported by the fluid) were measured as shoes were slipped across a surface contaminated with a diluted glycerol solution. As the shoes became worn, an initial increase in ACOF was followed by a steady decrease. Low fluid forces were observed prior to wear followed by increased fluid forces as the worn region became larger. Results suggest that traction performance decreases particularly when the heel region without tread exceeds a size of 800 mm2. This study supports the concept of developing shoe replacement guidelines based upon the size of the worn region to reduce occupational slips.

Evaluation and simplification of the occupational slip, trip and fall risk-assessment test.

Objective: The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the efficacy of the occupational slip, trip and fall (STF) risk assessment test developed by the Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA). We further intended to simplify the test to improve efficiency.Methods: A previous cohort study was performed using 540 employees aged ≥50 years who took the JISHA’s STF risk assessment test. We conducted multivariate analysis using these previous results as baseline values and answers to questionnaire items or score on physical fitness tests as variables. The screening efficiency of each model was evaluated based on the obtained receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: The area under the ROC obtained in multivariate analysis was 0.79 when using all items. Six of the 25 questionnaire items were selected for stepwise analysis, giving an area under the ROC curve of 0.77.Conclusion: Based on the results of follow-up performed one year after the initial examination, we successfully determined the usefulness of the STF risk assessment test. Administering a questionnaire alone is sufficient for screening subjects at risk of STF during the subsequent one-year period.

Firefighting to Innovation: Using Human Factors and Ergonomics to Tackle Slip, Trip, and Fall Risks in Hospitals.

The aim of this study was to use a theoretical model (bench) for human factors and ergonomics (HFE) and a comparison with occupational slips, trips, and falls (STFs) risk management to discuss patient STF interventions (bedside). Risk factors for patient STFs have been identified and reported since the 1950s and are mostly unchanged in the 2010s. The prevailing clinical view has been that STF events indicate underlying frailty or illness, and so many of the interventions over the past 60 years have focused on assessing and treating physiological factors (dizziness, illness, vision/hearing, medicines) rather than designing interventions to reduce risk factors at the time of the STF. Three case studies are used to discuss how HFE has been, or could be, applied to STF risk management as (a) a design-based (building) approach to embed safety into the built environment, (b) a staff- (and organization-) based approach, and (c) a patient behavior-based approach to explore and understand patient perspectives of STF events. The results from the case studies suggest taking a similar HFE integration approach to other industries, that is, a sustainable design intervention for the person who experiences the STF event-the patient. This paper offers a proactive problem-solving approach to reduce STFs by patients in acute hospitals. Authors of the three case studies use HFE principles (bench/book) to understand the complex systems for facility and equipment design and include the perspective of all stakeholders (bedside).

Organisational Factors of Occupational Accidents with Movement Disturbance (OAMD) and Prevention

Workplace design and upkeep, or human factors, are frequently advanced for explaining so-called Occupational Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents (OSTFAs). Despite scientific progress, these accidents, and more broadly Occupational Accidents with Movement Disturbance (OAMDs), are also commonly considered to be “simple”. This paper aims to stimulate changes in such perceptions by focusing on organisational factors that often combine with other accident factors to cause movement disturbance and injury in work situations. These factors frequently lead to arbitration between production and safety, which involves implementation of controls by workers. These controls can lead to greater worker exposure to OAMD risk. We propose a model that focuses on such controls to account specifically for the need to confront production and safety logics within a company and to enhance the potential for appropriate prevention action. These are then integrated into the set of controls highlighted by work organisation model developed by the NIOSH.

Changes in Walking Characteristics of Young and Older Adults When Anticipating Slippery Floors

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Differences in gait speed control strategies when anticipating a potentially slippery floor were found across age groups, with a group of mostly young adults adopting a potentially more risky strategy consisting of increased step length. Walking across a potentially slippery floor is common in the workplace, and warnings are one way to address this potential hazard. A better understanding of the influence of warnings about potentially slippery surfaces on gait could be used during slip training interventions and prevention programs to help reduce occupational slip-related falls. Specifically, these trainings/programs might benefit from addressing how to modulate gait speed through increased cadence rather than increased step length alone. Adults in both age groups tested here implemented potentially risky proactive strategies, highlighting the need to consider workers of all ages when designing occupational slip prevention measures. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Slips and falls are a major cause of occupational injury and costs. Certain proactive gait strategies can minimize fall risk. Purpose: This study investigated the impact of anticipating slippery floors on peak required coefficient of friction and spatiotemporal gait characteristics among young and older adults, including gait speed control, during walking on dry surfaces. Methods: Eighteen young (20–33 years) and 13 older participants (55–67 years) walked across a dry surface (baseline), experienced an unexpected slip, and walked across another dry surface with warning of a potentially slippery surface (anticipation). General spatiotemporal gait parameters and required coefficient of friction during walking were derived. Results: Young and older adults decreased required coefficient of friction and increased cadence during anticipation, both of which are important in reducing slip risk. Cluster analysis revealed three gait speed control strategies: Cluster 1 = mostly young adults who increased speed, cadence, and step length during anticipation; Cluster 2 = young and older adults who walked with minimal change in speed; Cluster 3 = only older adults who decreased speed through decreasing cadence and step length. Changes in cadence and step length were significantly correlated with changes in speed in older adults; only changes in step length were significantly correlated with changes in speed among young. Conclusions: Walking with decreased required coefficient of friction and increased cadence is beneficial when anticipating a slippery floor. However, walking with increased step length (Cluster 1) could increase slip risk. Avoiding gait speed modulations on potentially slippery surfaces through changes in step length alone should be addressed in occupational slip training and prevention. Interventions aimed at reducing slip risk should focus on increasing cadence if increases in gait speed are desired. Potentially risky proactive strategies implemented highlight the need to include workers of all ages in slip prevention training programs.

Factors associated with use of slip-resistant shoes in US limited-service restaurant workers

ObjectivesSlips and falls are a leading cause of injury at work. Several studies have indicated that slip-resistant shoes can reduce the risk of occupational slips and falls. Few studies, however,...

Slipping as outcome: implications for epidemiologic research on fall-related injuries

One major challenge to the study of occupational injuries in active work environments is the rarity of the outcome. Slipping, tripping and falling are responsible for a substantial injury burden...

Factors associated with worker slipping in limited-service restaurants

ObjectiveSlips, trips and falls (STF) are responsible for a substantial injury burden in the global workplace. Restaurant environments are challenged by STF. This study assessed individual and work environment factors...

Factors Influencing Restaurant Worker Perception of Floor Slipperiness

Falls are responsible for a substantial injury burden in the global workplace. Restaurant environments are particularly challenged by slips, trips, and falls. This study explored those factors that could influence workers' self-reports of slipperiness in U.S. fast-food restaurants. One hundred and twenty-six workers employed in 10 fast-food restaurants in the northeastern United States participated in the study representing a study-wide response rate of 87.5%. Participants' ratings of floor slipperiness and occupational slip history within the past 4 weeks were collected through written questionnaire. Additional factors collected by questionnaire included age, gender, shift length, and shoe type. Shoe condition (wear) and shoe contamination were visually assessed by the investigators. Floor friction was also measured. Lower restaurant mean coefficient of friction and the presence of contamination on workers' shoe soles were environmental factors significantly associated with workers reporting more slippery conditions. A recent workplace history of slipping with or without a subsequent fall was also significantly associated with workers reporting more slippery conditions. Workers over the age of 45 reported conditions to be significantly less slippery than younger workers. The results suggest that worker ratings of slipperiness are influenced not only by the actual level of friction but also by the other individual and environmental factors noted above. Recommendations for future studies would include a longitudinal design to better capture the temporal sequence between these variables. More field research is needed to better understand the association between workplace conditions, worker perception of slipperiness, and slipping at work.

Occupational slip, trip, and fall-related injuries can the contribution of slipperiness be isolated?

To determine if the contribution of slipperiness to occupational slip, trip and fall (STF)-related injuries could be isolated from injury surveillance systems in the USA, the UK and Sweden, six governmental systems and one industrial system were consulted. The systems varied in their capture approaches and the degree of documentation of exposure to slipping. The burden of STF-related occupational injury ranged from 20 to 40% of disabling occupational injuries in the developed countries studied. The annual direct cost of fall-related occupational injuries in the USA alone was estimated to be approximately US$6 billion. Slipperiness or slipping were found to contribute to between 40 and 50% of fall-related injuries. Slipperiness was more often a factor in same level falls than in falls to lower levels. The evaluation of the burden of slipperiness was hampered by design limitations in many of the data systems utilized. The resolution of large-scale injury registries should be improved by collecting more detailed incident sequence information to better define the full scope and contribution of slipperiness to occupational STF-related injuries. Such improvements would facilitate the allocation of prevention resources towards reduction of first-event risk factors such as slipping.

The measurement of slipperiness—an international scientific symposium

Occupational slips, trips, and falls (STF) present a tremendous burden on the working people of the world. The precise contribution of slipping to this burden is not completely understood and significant questions exist regarding the definition and measurement of slipperiness. In an attempt to advance slipperiness measurement, a workshop symposium of tribologists, biomechanists, clinicians, engineers, epidemiologists and related scientists was held in order to summarize the state of the science in slipperiness measurement. Organized into issue-focused working groups, participants collaborated on manuscripts addressing conceptual and definitional issues, the contribution of slipperiness to STF injury, and biomechanical, human-centred, and tribological approaches to slipperiness measurement. The conference design, contributions of working groups and outcomes are summarized.

Slips, trips and falls in different work groups — with reference to age and from a preventive perspective

Inter-record linkage between two Swedish databases on population and injury was effected to provide information on occupational slip, trip and fall (STF) accidents. The text descriptions in more than 1600 accident reports from occupational groups with high incidence rates of STF accidents were categorised by gender and age and the factors contributing to the accidents studied. Both older male and female workers had higher rates of reported STF accidents than younger workers, but it was established that within any one occupation the workplace hazards were common to all. Both for men and for women, the initial approach to the prevention of STF accidents should be to improve orderliness in the workplace.

The perceptions of managers and accident subjects in the service industries towards slip and trip accidents

Slips and trips are a major cause of injury and lost time, and remain so despite specific initiatives. The work presented here focuses on how accident subjects and their managers each perceive the circumstances of an accident with respect to causal responsibility. To investigate this issue, a research questionnaire was designed, piloted and then applied to 33 occupational slip and trip accidents reported to a Local Authority Inspectorate. The results showed important differences in the attribution of causal responsibility between those who experience and those who investigate slips and trip accidents. The levels of agreement between individual accident subjects and their managers was at best fair (using κ). The consequences of this and the limited scope of investigation carried out by managers is highlighted and the need for improved training and the development of a practical model of risk assessment and investigation for managers is advanced.

A Retrospective Study of Occupational Slips, Trips and Falls across Industries

This paper investigates the significance of occupational injuries related to slips and falls on the same level and from elevation based on claims data collected over a six-year period by a major U.S. workers' compensation insurer. The relative percent of claims and claim costs associated with slips and falls varies by industry sector. Construction industry proportions of claims and claim costs associated with falls from elevation ranked first compared with all other industries examined. The claim and claim costs proportions associated with falls on the same level were highest in the retail industry. Despite the significance of the problem, there has been no significant change in the proportion of fall related claims (either on the same level or from elevation) compared to all reported claims by industry type from 1993 to 1998. Results suggest the need for increased research activity to explore the causes and identify interventions which can reduce the sizable losses in industry.

Occupational injuries in the mining industry and their association with statewide cold ambient temperatures in the USA.

Relatively few occupational epidemiological studies have been conducted concerning the association between cold ambient temperatures and cold exposure injuries, and fewer still of traumatic occupational injuries and cold ambient temperatures. The association of ambient temperature and wind data from the National Climatic Data Center with injury data from mines reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was evaluated over a 6 year period from 1985-1990; 72,716 injuries from the seven states with the most numerous injuries were included. Temperature and wind data from each state's metropolitan weather stations were averaged for each day of the 6 year period. A weighted linear regression tested the relationship of ungrouped daily temperature and injury rate for all injury classes. For cold exposure injuries and fall injuries, relative incidence rates for grouped temperature data were fit with Poisson regression. As temperatures decreased, injury rates increased for both cold exposure injuries and slip and fall injuries. The association of slip and fall injuries with temperature was inverse but not strictly linear. The strongest association appeared with temperatures 29 degrees F and below. The injury rates for other accident categories increased with increasing ambient temperatures. This study suggests that statewide average ambient temperature reflects the expected association between the thermal environment and cold exposure injuries for workers, but more importantly, documents an association between ambient temperatures and occupational slip and fall injuries.

Slips, trips and falls in different work groups with reference to age

Data from two Swedish databases were matched to provide information on occupational slip, trip and fall (STF) accidents. There was an increased rate of recorded STF accidents in the group aged 45 years or more. Older women reported STF accidents twice as often as their younger colleagues. In order to better understand adequate preventive measures, factors contributing to occupational STF accidents were studied. Textual descriptions of contributing factors in more than 1600 STF accident reports from occupational groups with high incidence rates of STF accidents were analysed and categorised by gender and age. In general, no age differences were found regarding contributing factors for the STF accidents. Hence, it was concluded that the same preventive measures should be implemented for both younger and older people in the same occupation. As older workers proved to have longer sick leaves in connection to STF accidents, institution of the preventive measures is even more urgent to perform where the work force is comprised of workers aged 45 years or more.

Occupational slips and falls: more than a trivial problem

The significance of occupational falls is established through analysis of workers' compensation data of a major insurance company. The data covered 11% of the American privately insured workforce and exposure estimates were based on Bureau of Labor Statistics demographics. The number of incidents and the relative cost of falls were examined by age, gender, industry, climate and geographic region and empirical data are presented. These data establish the enormous cost of falls measured in terms of individual pain and suffering and in losses to industrial organizations.