Safety call after fatal falls more than double in NI

Although fatal crashes and workplace fatalities often get more public attention, falls are the most common cause of accidental deaths in Northern Ireland

The number of people who have died as the result of a fall in Northern Ireland more than doubled over a 10-year period, according to official statistics.

There were 378 fatal falls in 2022, compared to 178 deaths a decade earlier in 2013.

That is an increase of 113%, a rise which the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) described as "truly shocking".

Its research manager, James Broun, said RoSPA is "fully expecting this trend to continue rising if we don't start seeing the right prevention measures".

Mr Broun said falls "can affect all age groups" but older people are at more risk of death from a slip or trip.

"That's typically because they are more susceptible to falling and when they do fall they often suffer more serious injuries," he explained.

Death statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) show 90% of fall fatalities in 2022 were people aged over 65.

Fall 'really set me back'

But even if you survive a serious fall, the consequences can be life changing.

Daphne Hegarty, 82, broke her hip in a fall in 2020 and has never fully recovered.

The Portadown pensioner was touring a castle in the Republic of Ireland when the accident happened.

"My leg just went from underneath me and I fell, and where I fell it went down into a hollow so I couldn't really get up."

She was taken to hospital in Waterford, but because the first Covid lockdown began shortly afterwards, she had to spend nearly six weeks there without family visitors.

"I was isolated away to a ward on my own so I didn't see anyone."

Having had serious heart issues since childhood, Ms Hegarty is well used to recovering from major surgery, but said that fall changed her life "completely".

Daphne Hegarty said a lifelong heart condition had reduced her mobility, but a fall in her late 70s exacerbated the problem significantly

"It really set me back, because I used to be able – in my own time – potter around the house and do a wee bit of gardening," she said.

"But whenever I broke the hip I was completely off my feet for about six months."

Half a decade later, the pensioner still feels the effects.

"I haven't the same movement in my leg," she explained.

"I used to love to just sit on a stool and potter in the garden but now I'm restricted – I can't get down to get close."

Despite the complications the fall caused, Ms Hegarty knows she must stay active.

"I do exercises every day at home. Just like armchair exercises – keep bending my knees and lifting my feet up and moving my legs.

"I always have done that because I always tried to keep myself limbered up."

A legacy of lockdowns?

James Broun from RoSPA analysed official death statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

So why are fatal falls becoming more common?

"To be honest, it's a complex question and we're not sure we have a really simple answer," Mr Broun admitted.

But he insisted the rise cannot be explained solely by the fact people are generally living longer.

"The population is aging, but the population hasn't aged by the same degree that falls have increased."

Mr Broun added it is a known fact that "inequality and deprivation are linked to poor health outcomes".

"People who are suffering from other health problems may in turn have worse outcomes when they fall."

Mr Broun said there is also "anecdotal evidence" that Covid lockdowns may have exacerbated fall risks among vulnerable people.

"They were staying in their house so they were losing some of their core strength by not exercising as much," he explained.

However, he stressed the increase "isn't just a blip as a result of Covid" because fall deaths were on the rise before the pandemic.

Most fatal falls happen at home, according to RoSPA.

Among the measures it is campaigning for are changes to building regulations, including safer staircase designs.

Exercise can reduce risk of falling

Physiotherapist Chris McKenna said regular exercise can empower older people to reduce their risk of falling

However, falling "doesn't have to be an inevitable part of getting older," according to Chris McKenna from Belfast Health Trust's Community Falls Prevention and Management Service.

The physiotherapist runs weekly strength and balance classes for over 65s in Andersonstown - one of six such classes across Belfast.

Mr McKenna said these classes "really empower" older people to keep their independence.

"We tell people it's never too late to start exercising."

The team also provides home visits, which Chris calls a "one-stop shop" of fall prevention.

The checks include blood pressure monitoring and checking medications for side effects that could make a patient unsteady on their feet.

They also assess the person's footwear, their gait and inspect their home for trip hazards.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) leads fall prevention efforts in Northern Ireland.

It said free home safety checks "are available for over 65s, families with children under five, and those who are vulnerable," subject to assessment and availabilty.

Its website also lists 10 tips to help prevent a fall at home.