ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Falls involving level floors and stairways have become the leading cause of hospital-treated injuries in most advanced countries. Stairway safety research has been conducted to reduce the rate of casualties from falls involving stairways. Research to prevent stair-related falls is holistically presented in this chapter. Studies of casualties caused by falls from stairways, risk assessment of stairway use, classification of missteps, and suggested combinations of tread depth and riser height are included. The author also
CONTENTS
13.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 198 13.2 Fatal and Nonfatal Falls on/from Stairways ................................................................. 199
13.2.1 Fatal Falls on/from Stairways .............................................................................. 199 13.2.2 Nonfatal Falls on/from Stairways ....................................................................... 201
13.3 Potential Risk while Ascending/Descending Stairways ............................................. 202 13.3.1 Inherent Risks of Stairways .................................................................................. 202
13.3.1.1 Fall Risk and Kinesthetic Risk in Descending Stairways ................. 202 13.3.1.2 Foot Movements in Descent and Possible Causes of Loss of Balance ...203
