Falls and working individuals: role of extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

Falls are frequent occupational accidents involving workers and lead to important social and economic consequences both for the individual and for the employer. Different factors can modify balance control and lead to falling, especially environment-related and individual factors. The literature would appear to indicate that there have been few studies on the intrinsic factors involving the mechanisms of generating falls. This review determines the main factors involved in the mechanisms of falling, whether related to the environment, work or the individual. Knowledge of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors contributing to the fall could allow securer environment planning and occupational conditions for employers, and the use of balance rehabilitation methods for individuals to reduce the risk of falls.