Fall Injuries

Infants/Children Ages 14 and Under

In childhood, falls can be an everyday occurrence. The most common causes of fall-related hospitalizations for children include: slipping or tripping, falling from playground equipment, falling from bed, and falling on or from stairs or steps.

Prevention Strategies

• Use child safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
• Never leave an infant unattended on a table, bed or other elevated surface
• Use safety straps to secure your child in strollers, shopping carts and infant carriers
• Place your child in a stationary play-station rather than a mobile walker
• Playground surfaces should consist of shredded rubber, fiber mulch, or fine sand and extend 12 inches deep and 6 feet around equipment to reduce the severity of falls.

Older Adults Ages 65 and Older

Fall-related injuries in older adults often lead to hospitalizations, beginning the downward spiral that can result in long-term disability or death. Common injuries as a result of a fall include brain injuries, and fractures of the hip, vertebrae, and pelvis. Over 60% of falls that lead to hospitalizations occur in the home.

• Falls in Older Adults, New York State

Prevention Strategies

• Improve home safety by installing handrails on stairways and removing loose rugs or other clutter
• Use ample lighting throughout the home, install illuminated light switches at the top and bottom of stairs, and night lights in the bathrooms
• Use a step-stool and grab bar to reach objects on high shelves
• Use non-slip bath mats in the shower and tub
• Wear shoes with non-slip soles
• Talk to your health care provider about gait, balance, and strength training

For more information:

• CDC - fall and hip fractures among older adults
• Safe Kids USA