ABSTRACT
In this chapter we attempt to quantify most of the ways in which humans are injured as a result of the environment, the workplace, their activities, their actions, or the actions of others. It is important to note that some activities or incidents are not generally injurious to humans. When small children fall, the distances and forces upon their bodies are considerably less than when adults fall. The biological structures of children are more pliable and less prone to injury. In contrast, adults, especially the elderly, have weakened biological structures and are more capable of being injured. In some instances, the elderly have preexisting conditions, such as fractures of their bones, that may contribute to an injury. In this respect, emphasis is placed on the strength of biological materials that comprise the human anatomy. Human evolution, as with evolution of all animal types, has placed a minimum requirement for injury to particular structures. Otherwise, humans and animals would have a difficult time in their environment and most likely would not survive the natural dangers that present themselves. Let us make it clear that we are not talking about long-term environmental and climatic events and changes that may affect the long-term survival of the particular human species. Rather we are concerned with incidents that are drastic and sudden such as car crashes, falls, and other incidents that have the capacity to maim or kill.
