An argument for a universal definition and method of recording falls

Background: The definition of a fall is not consistent across all areas of health or occupational health and safety spheres of practice that report patient and worker falls. The true incidence of falls in the workplace, health institutions, and community will not be revealed until a common definition of a fall in these fields of epidemiological practice is adopted. Lack of definition consistency and recognition of all fall risk factors irrespective of age and circumstance might account for the limited impact of current fall prevention interventions in the community and workplace.Objectives: This commentary provides an argument that there is a vital need for uniformity of the definition of a fall between health system research and occupational safety research.Major findings: Selective reporting of injurious worker falls and slips and trips that are really falls by industries clouds real fall rates. Slight variations to the definition of a fall can lead to inaccurate reporting of fall incidence. Industry should acknowledge intrinsic falls risks in addition to environmental hazards as contributors to workplace falls.Conclusions: Adoption of a common definition of a fall across epidemiological practice might reveal the real incidence of falls in patients, workers, and community. Recognition of intrinsic and extrinsic falls risks in all adults irrespective of age and circumstances might help to control the fall incidence in ageing population and workforce.