title: The epidemiology of slips, trips, and falls in a helicopter manufacturing plant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this evaluation was to evaluate the causes and costs of slips, trips, and falls (STFs) in a helicopter manufacturing plant.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  STFs are a significant portion of the total industry injury burden.
  
  
  METHODS
  For this study, 4,070 helicopter plant workers who were employed from January 1, 2004, through February 28, 2008, were enrolled. Company records on workers' compensation claims, occupational health first report of injury, and payroll records on hours worked were collected. Cause and source of all injuries, including STFs, were coded for analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the 4-year study period, there were 2,378 injuries and 226 STFs (46 falls [20%] to a lower level, 117 [52%] falls on the same level, 41 [18%] from loss of balance without a fall, and 22 [10%] from other events). Of the 226 STFs, 123 falls to the same level were caused by slippery substances (52), objects on floor (43), and surface hazards (28), and they cost $1,543,946. Falls to lower levels primarily involved access to stands to and from aircraft and falling off large machines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More than half of the STF injury claims likely could have been prevented by housekeeping and maintenance, and this cost saving could reasonably offset a considerable portion of the cost of prevention. Training and stand modifications could be considered to prevent falls from elevation from stands, machines, and aircraft.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations for STF prevention are discussed.
authors: Analysis of Field Evaluations Branch, Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1095 Willowdale Road, M/S 1811, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA. hamandus@cdc.gov
authors: Harlan
authors: H
authors: Amandus
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Bell
authors: Hope
authors: H
authors: Tiesman
authors: Elyce
authors: E
authors: Biddle
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D017046:Cost Savings; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult