Tertiary Prevention: Reducing the Impact of Injury from Falls

Slips, trips and falls (STFs) account for a large proportion of work-related injuries and carries significant costs for both employers and employees in terms of medical care, lost wages and productivity.   For the worker, there is often a significant emotional burden caused by physical pain, temporary or permanent disability, reduced quality of life, and anxiety related to job security.  As with any occupational injury, it is important the patient receives appropriate and timely care, but falls often result in multiple injuries commonly involving the head, spine, torso and limbs making rehabilitation particularly challenging.  In addition, the occupational health care provider must continually assess workability, need for vocational rehabilitation and suitable job modifications to ensure successful return to the job of injury whenever possible. Using specific cases encountered in practice, Dr. Fischer will describe how she manages complicated cases resulting from ground-level as well as elevated falls.  In addition to providing standard medical care, she will discuss how some specialty services may be invaluable in treating patients with head injuries, rib fractures, disc herniations, and other painful sprains, strains and fractures.  Her discussion will include the importance of clear communication to the patient, employer and insurer to help ensure optimal care and successful return to work.