WHAT IS THE ROLE OF DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE IN SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL ACCIDENTS?

Abstract

The paper and presentation addresses how much comparative negligence is contributed by bad architectural choices and environmental design, as compared to humans not being aware or “unconscious” of their surrounding environment. What is the role of the environment versus behavior? The architectural design process has critical steps in developing design criteria, but human factors and ergonomics are not typically given priority over aesthetics. Egress paths of travel are addressed typically in terms of accessibility and fire resistance, but not in terms of walk-ability, safety, including slip and trip resistance. Various national and state codes, as well as standards of care define what safe paths of travel should be, yet in 2007, more than 21,700 Americans died as a result of falls and more than 7.9 million were injured. Falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths among adults 73 year and older, and 2nd leading cause of death of persons 60-72. Over 275,000 occupational injuries were caused by slips, trips and falls in 2008 (Scott, National Safety Council, 2009). The consequences of a person suffering injures from a fall accident are ten times more likely than being a victim from a fire (National Safety Council 2017). Recommendations are made for improved architectural awareness and understanding of the human factors and ergonomics in the prevention of slip, trip, and fall accidents.