The InterSafe Group Pty Ltd
PO Box 7338
EAST BRISBANE QLD 4169
Ph: +61 7 3895 8111
Fax: +61 7 3895 8222
Toll Free (Australia): 1800 8111 01

For more information email us:
info@intersafe.com.au

Slips, Trips and Falls

The Size of the Problem

Falls are among the most significant contributors to mortality and morbidity in both industry and the general community. In 1994 alone, accident falls in Australia were estimated to cost $3 billion and resulted in 1,000 deaths. The extent of human suffering and financial costs to the individual and society are enormous. We recognise the multifactorial nature of slips, trips and falls involves identifying the human, environmental and footwear factors which are essential to the sequence of events leading to damage.

THE ERGONOMIC MODEL

Human Factors

  • Sensory factors (visual, vestibular, proprioceptive etc) 
  • Range of activities (turning, stopping, manual exertion)
  • Bio-mechanical characteristics (neuromuscular, gait etc) 
  • Biomedical factors (neurological condition etc)

Footwear Factors

  • Type of 
  • Condition
  • Friction
  

Environmental Factors

  • Floor friction levels o floor surface (type, roughness, porosity, etc).
  • Floor condition (wear, maintenance, drainage, etc)
  • Visual/auditory distractions
  • contamination (water, oil, dust)
  • Visibility (illumination, glare, delineation)
  • Layout of floor surfaces

Our Experience

InterSafe's Ergonomists have investigated many hundreds of incidents involving people slipping, tripping and falling and are often asked to provide advice with respect to the prevention of fall incidents and analysis of specific events. We also provide training in the understanding of such incidents.

Our Resources

InterSafe has the methodology and equipment (British Portable Skid Resistance Tester "Pendulum Tester", Tortus II unit and the German Ramp Tester, currently one of two in Australia) to test against Australian, International and other standards. Our private library database, consisting of over 20,000 entries, is an invaluable resource for litigation and consulting activities.

Contact Roger Kahler (07 3895 8111) for more information about the Slips, Trips and Falls phenomenon.