Detection of near accidents by measurement of horizontal acceleration of the trunk

The aim of the study was to develop a method for the detection and recording of sudden movements caused by a person's effort to regain balance during slipping and tripping. The method is based on the assessment of the horizontal acceleration of the trunk. A portable device was developed for recording sudden movements at work sites. The device was tested in laboratory conditions with 20 test persons. The experiments showed that the device is capable of detecting slips and even slight losses of balance which do not lead to actual falls. The acceleration levels of the trunk increased significantly in slipping incidents compared to normal walking, both in antero-posterior and medial-lateral direction.