A systems perspective of slip and fall accidents on icy and snowy surfaces

Abstract

Current research on slips and falls has mainly focused on floors and/or contaminated floors. Although icy and snowy surfaces near melting temperature are more slippery, more important still, slip and falls on icy and snowy surfaces involve not only outdoor workers, but also pedestrians and the general public; and occur in cold regions and in the winter season in many parts of the world. However, in comparison with the size of the problem, research work done so far in this area has been limited. The objective of this paper is to present a systems perspective of slip and fall accidents, with special focus on its occurrence on icy and snowy surfaces. In order to explore the aetiology of slip and fall accidents further, and to provide the basis for prevention, the authors put forward a systems model towards the slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces based on a review of literature and current knowledge. Various contributing factors are systematically discussed to highlight the multi-factorial nature of the problem, providing the possibility of a multi-faceted approach to reach systematic prevention. Unresolved issues related to slips and falls on ice and snow are also identified, which necessitate further research.

Perceived risks for slipping and falling at work during wintertime and criteria for a slip-resistant winter shoe among Swedish outdoor workers

“…In our opinion the results of the present study validate the comprehensive systems model of factors contributing to slip and fall accidents on icy surfaces presented by Gao and Abeysekera (2004).…”

“…Most previous research on slips and falls identified by the author mainly focuses on floors and/or contaminated floors. However icy and snowy surfaces near thawing temperature can be more slippery (Gao & Abeysekera 2004). The most slip resistant soling material on floors and lubricated floors may not provide sufficient slip resistance on ice (Gao et al 2004).…”

“…Most of the mail delivery and construction workers but none of the homecare workers had shoes provided by their employer. (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24) The setting for the interviews was in all cases a smaller conference room at a location arranged by the union contact person. The sessions lasted about 1 hour each.…”

“…This model includes footwear properties, underfoot surface characteristics, footwear/surface interface (friction), human gait biomechanics, human physiological and psychological aspects and environmental factors (Gao & Abeysekera 2004). Ideally all these aspects should be targeted to prevent accidents.…”

Inter Association Task Force Recommendations on Emergency Preparedness andManagement of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School andCollege Athletic Programs: A Consensus Statement

“…86 Responders to an SCA on an ice playing surface should consider foot traction devices and helmets for their own safety. 87,88 In contrast, SCA victims found immersed in a pool or contained body of water should be removed from the water before defibrillation. Any SCA victims lying on metal conducting surfaces (eg, bleachers) should be moved to a nonmetal surfaces or placed onto spine boards before defibrillation if that can be done quickly and without significant delays.…”