29 January 2006
Research from Monash University and The Alfred Hospital has been released today which shows that the number of people in Victoria admitted to hospital following a fall from a ladder, has increased by 39% per cent over the past four years.
The study investigated the number of injuries resulting from ladder falls so that priority groups can be identified and targeted with thorough proactive prevention strategies.
"Our study clearly shows that injuries as a result of falls from ladders have increased. The government needs to do more in this area to prevent these injuries and in particular to target the middle aged and elderly groups in our society, if we are to reduce the number of serious injuries," said Dr Biswadev Mitra, Registrar, Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital.
In particular, there has been a significant rise in serious injuries from ladder falls among Victorians aged 50 years and over and also among people using ladders for non-work related purposes.
In June 2001 the number of admissions to hospital from people suffering from ladder-related injuries in the 50 plus age group over six months was 221 but by June 2005, this figure had risen sharply to 363. Similarly, the number of people admitted to hospital in June 2001 for injuries that had been caused by ladders for non work related purposes was 374 and by June 2005, this figure had increased to 567.
The authors of the report, Dr Biswadev Mitra, Professor Peter Cameron and Dr Belinda Gabbe, conclude that the state government should target their initial public health campaigns at people aged over 50 years and older people using ladders in the home, whose falls led to the bulk of ladder-related emergency department presentations and major trauma cases.
Data on patients who did not seek medical attention or who were treated privately was not available. Patients who died at the scene were also not included. Absence of these patients indicates the study's findings probably underestimate the number of injuries and death caused by ladder falls.
For more information, please contact Jocelyn Hunter at the Monash University Media Office on: (03) 9902 0256 or 0408 527 092
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