Using a walkway with adjustable inclination to measure and assess slip and fall risks

• Fall is the most common cause of serious work related accidents. Falls and related injuries not only cause suffering for individuals, but also means a high economic burden to industries and society. The objective of the study was to use a walkway with in-built force plate, adjustable inclination and surface to assess how risks of slips and falls vary due to inclination and friction of the walkway surface. A walkway was designed with adjustable slopes between 0 to 30 degrees. Subject walking tests were performed on dry and wet steel sheet surfaces in two walking directions (uphill and downhill) at three inclination angles (0, 5 and 10 degrees). 3D ground reaction forces while walking were recorded using the force plate. Required coefficient of friction (RCOF) was derived to determine slip and fall risks. The main finding of this study is that the RCOF during heel strike when walking downwards on the steel plate surface increases linearly as the inclination increases. The results contribute to the understanding of slipping and falling mechanisms and the prevention of slipping and falling accidents. When ramps or sloped surfaces are used in workplaces, slip resistance between footwear and the sloped surfaces should be improved.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Produktionsteknik, arbetsvetenskap och ergonomi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

slips and falls

slope

gait biomechanics

required coefficient of friction.

Publication and Content Type

kon (subject category)

ref (subject category)