Falls

Definition and classification systems

Falls are a common external cause of morbidity or mortality.

Examples of falls associated with morbidity and mortality include: fall on the same level, fall involving furniture, fall on or from stairs or steps, or fall due to a collision with other person.

Hospitalisations that are related to falls may be attributed to injury from the fall itself, or may be due to conditions related to or exacerbated by a fall, such as subsequent rehabilitation.

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) covers falls as an external cause of accidental injury (NCCH 2013).

Falls are common among older people, with one in four people aged 65 years or over having at least one fall per year. Fall-related injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people.

Falls prevention

NSW Health is committed to preventing falls and fall-related injury. 

The Active and Healthy website is an online directory of physical activity programs with a falls prevention component for older people. To find a suitable program in your local area visit Active and Healthy today.

The NSW Falls Prevention & Healthy Ageing Network shares falls prevention knowledge, expertise and resources for those working in the hospital, community and residential aged care sectors. The Network is managed by Neuroscience Research Australia.