Falls

Falls are a common but often overlooked source of injury and, unfortunately in many cases, death.

Everyone is potentially at risk of having a fall, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others. These groups are:

• adults who are over 65 years of age,
• children, and
• people whose jobs involve working at heights.

Older adults

Some older adults have a combination of health-related factors that increase their risk of having a fall such as:

• muscle weakness,
• problems with balance and mobility, and
• poor eyesight.

Around 30% of adults who are over 65 years of age, and who are living in the community, will experience at least one fall a year. This figure rises to 50% for those who are living in nursing homes or residential care.

Not all falls will result in injury, but a significant minority do. For example, 20% of older adults will require medical attention for a fall, and 5% will experience a serious injury, such as a fracture.

Falls can also have an adverse psychological impact, particularly on elderly people. A fall can sometimes result in a person losing confidence, becoming withdrawn, and feeling like they have lost their independence.

Children

Due to the natural impulse to play and take part in risky behaviour, most children will experience a fall at least once during childhood. Thankfully, falls in children are seldom fatal, but they often require medical attention.

Each year, in the UK, an estimated 390,000 children are taken to accident and emergency (A&E) following a fall.

Occupational falls

Falls from height are one of the most common reasons for serious workplace injury and death. During 2007, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that there were 3,000 serious injuries and 45 deaths as a result of falls from height in the UK.

Joints