The identification of factors in the systematic evaluation of slip prevention on icy surfaces

Slips and falls on icy roads often result in fractures or sprains and is a major problem in Nordic countries. Walking trials by 25 subjects wearing four types of winter shoes on five different icy walking surfaces provided subjective and objective measures of tendency to slip and number of slips, respectively. Since friction is a major determinant of a slip, the influence of material spread on icy surfaces, the surface temperatures and the shoe soling characteristics versus the Coefficient of Friction (COF) of the shoes were measured. Sand and gravel on icy roads had positive effects on improving COF. The study revealed that the aetiology of slips and falls is multi-faceted and attempts to solve the problem must adopt a systems approach. Perception of risk, aging, training, experience and postural balance are other factors to be considered in preventing slips and falls. Future research should concentrate on the degree of impact of each factor to the aetiology of slips and falls, which can help to decide priority action in preventing slips and falls. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.