Nonfatal bathroom injuries among persons aged ≥ 15 years—United States, 2008 ★★★

ProblemInformation about where nonfatal unintentional injuries occur is limited, but bathrooms commonly are believed to be a hazardous location.MethodsData from a nationally representative sample of hospital emergency departments (ED) was used to quantify and characterize nonfatal unintentional bathroom injuries among people aged ≥ 15 years.ResultsIn 2008, an estimated 234,094 nonfatal bathroom injuries were treated in EDs. Most injuries (81.1%) were caused by falls and 37.3% of injuries occurred when bathing, showering, or getting out of the tub or shower. Both injury and hospitalization rates increased with age.SummaryThese results suggest that bathrooms tend to be most hazardous for persons in the oldest age groups.Impact on IndustryBathroom injuries among all household members might be reduced by increasing awareness about potentially hazardous activities in the bathroom combined with simple environmental changes such as adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower.

► In 2008, an estimated 234,094 bathroom injuries in persons aged ≥ 15 years were treated in hospital emergency departments.
► Persons of all ages sustained bathroom injuries, especially when bathing or when getting out of the tub or shower.
► The rate for bathroom injuries increased with age and was highest for persons aged ≥ 85 years.
► Installing grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to toilets could decrease injury risk for all residents.