Chapter 7 - For The Safety of Canadian Children And Youth - Public Health Agency of Canada

Chapter 7

Fall-Related Injuries

HIGHLIGHTS

Rates of death and hospitalization due to falls have declined in recent years. The death rate fell by approximately 70% from 1975 to 1992, and the hospitalization rate fell by 15% between 1984 and 1992 (Statistics Canada).

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization among children and youth. Falls from playground equipment, falls on stairs and falls during sports activities account for 40% of hospitalizations for falls (Statistics Canada).

Among children and youth under 20, 45% of all cases recorded by CHIRPP are the result of a fall. Stairs, furniture and ice during winter are the factors most frequently associated with falls.

In 1993, CHIRPP reported 215 falls related to baby walkers among children under 1 year of age. This accounts for about 9% of all falls recorded by CHIRPP in this age group. In almost 9 cases out of 10, falls related to walkers occurred on stairs. By comparison, only 25% of stroller falls occurred on stairs.

CHAPTER 7
Fall-Related Injuries