Falls and slips... Rapid increase in safety accidents among elderly and infants at home

Consumer Injury Surveillance System Reports Highest Growth Rate in Five Years
Nearly Half of Infant Fall Accidents Occur on Beds
Many Elderly Suffer Bathroom Slips and Door Frame Trips
Installation of Safety Rails and Shock-Absorbing Mats Recommended

The number of accidents involving falls or slips inside the home among the elderly and infants, who spend a lot of time at home, has been increasing every year, raising the need for caution.

Consumer Agency building.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 25th that the consumer hazard information received by the Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) in 2024 totaled 85,639 cases, an 8% increase compared to 79,264 cases the previous year, marking the highest growth rate in the past five years (2020?2024). By location, safety accidents inside the home (residence) were the most frequent across all age groups, with relatively high proportions among infants (75.0%) and the elderly (68.4%), who are at greater risk of injury due to physical limitations.

There were 7,830 reported cases of safety accidents involving infants at home last year, with the main cause being falls (3,252 cases, 41.5%). Notably, falls from beds (1,550 cases, 47.7%) accounted for nearly half of all fall incidents.

Of particular note is the 182.4% increase in fall accidents occurring on changing tables (diaper changing stations), rising to 144 cases (4.4%) compared to 51 cases in 2021. The Consumer Agency explained that many infants fall during diaper changes, highlighting the need for caregivers’ careful attention.

Provided by Korea Consumer Agency

During the same period, safety accidents at home involving the elderly were identified as 10,751 cases. The leading cause was 'slipping and falling,' accounting for 7,423 cases (69.0%). Safety accidents in bathrooms (3,338 cases, 45.0%) increased by 116.5% compared to the previous year (1,542 cases), mainly due to slipping on bathroom floors (3,174 cases) or tripping over door frames (86 cases).

The Consumer Agency emphasized, "Infants and the elderly, who spend relatively more time indoors, are particularly vulnerable to safety accidents at home, making prevention above all else important." They recommended regularly inspecting hazardous factors such as furniture installed at home and installing safety rails and shock-absorbing floor mats on beds to prevent falls. They also added, "Measures to prevent accidents, such as applying anti-slip tiles (stickers) in bathrooms, installing bright lighting, and promptly removing water after use, are necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.