A Survey for Ascertaining Details Related to Falls on Stairs or Escalators

Abstract

Introduction: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, publication titled; ‘Injury in Australia: falls’ states that in 2017–18, 42% of hospitalized injury cases were due to falls, and 40% of injury deaths were due to falls. In Melbourne City, at various stations, there are extremely long escalators, and alarmingly, one sign previously displayed states there are approximately 2-3 falls/ week on train station escalators.
Objectives: The aim of the survey was to ascertain the percentage of people who’ve fallen downstairs and escalators.
Methods: Distribution of a general convenience survey [n=125] was performed to ascertain the percentage of people who’ve fallen downstairs and escalators. Additional questions related to rain, high-risk footwear, poor lighting, and how many falls they have had. Following that, regardless of whether or not they’d had a fall, questions then focused on whether they had a fear of falling and whether they felt uncomfortable around crowds on stairs or escalators.
Results and Discussion: Completed survey forms were eighty-two in total. 29% of people had fallen, with 16% of those people indicating rain, 16% in either high heels or thongs, while 25% indicated poor visibility. Of those who had fallen, the estimate of the number of falls down stairs or escalators ranged from 1–20, with the average being three falls. 39% of respondents, irrespective of whether or not they had fallen, had fear, while 43% felt uncomfortable around crowds.
Conclusion: Falls downstairs or escalators are relatively common, in addition to a large percentage of people having fear or feeling uncomfortable.