1. Older people

Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury. 

Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls. 

The natural ageing process means that older people have an increased risk of having a fall. 

In the UK, falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths in people over the age of 75. Most falls do not result in serious injury. But there is always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence.

2. People with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities have a similar risk of falls throughout their lives as older people in the general population. 

Around one-third of falls by people with learning disabilities result in injury and the rate of fractures is higher than in the rest of the population. 

Fear of falling can result in…

• Avoidance of activities
• Social isolation 
• Increasing frailty.

Reduced physical activity resulting from fear can in itself increase the risk of falls. While there is limited literature on the psychological impact of falls on people with learning disabilities, family carers of people who have fallen, report constant fear and anxiety.

3. Care and support workers

Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury at work.

On average, they cause 40 per cent of all reported major injuries and can also lead to other types of serious accidents, for example, falls from height. Because we are working in environments that often have slip trip and falls hazards like wet floors, spillages, and where we use equipment that may be a trip hazard, people who work in care settings are at risk.