Accidental falls related to clearing heavy snow on rooftops in a rural heavy snow area in Japan

AIM: The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with patients who fell from rooftops while clearing snow. The falls occurred in rural areas that receive heavy snowfall and are undergoing depopulation and an increasing proportion of elderly residents. METHODS: A retrospective observational chart review was carried out at the sole hospital providing emergency services in a rural heavy snow area in Japan. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were enrolled during four winter seasons between December 2009 and March 2013. Their mean age was 61 years, and 90% were male. The mean vertical height of falls was 4.1 m. A total of 174 injuries was observed, averaging 2.5 injuries per patient. Fractures accounted for 78% of all injuries, and main fractures included vertebra with lower extremities or rib fractures; 86% of patients sustained a maximum abbreviated injury scale score of 2–3. CONCLUSIONS: In a rural heavy snow area in Japan, the incidence of accidental falls related to clearing snow was high, and the victims were elderly. Fractures accounted for 78% of all injuries, and most patients suffered from moderate to serious injuries.