Abstract

Background: Deaths due to fall from height are the second leading cause of injury-related deaths. The fatalities of the injuries depend not only on the height of fall but also on the landing position and impact surface². Additionally, diversity of the injuries and the complexity of the patterns involved in these injuries, emphasizes the need for study in this area. A prospective autopsy study of deaths due to fall from heights was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology attached to Government Kilpauk Medical College & Hospital, Chennai – 10, Tamil Nadu for the year 2021 from 01-01-2021 to 31-12-2021. Among the total 2825 cases autopsied during the study period, 84 cases (2.97 %) were deaths due to fall from height. Maximum deaths were seen in males (77.38%). Maximum number of fall from height cases were seen in the age group of31-40 Years (55.95%). Maximum case of fall from height was seen in construction workers (38.09%). Maximum cases of fall from height were seen in low socioeconomic status (73.80%). Maximum cases of death due to fall from height were married (73.80%).  Maximum cases of fall from height were seen with a distance below 20 feet which constitutes (40.47%). The impact surface was maximum with fall over a hard surface (46.42%). The cause of death in maximum cases was attributed to Cranio Spinal Injuries (44.04%). The most common manner of death was accidental in nature (80.95). We concluded that fall from heights carry a significant morbidity and mortality and to decrease the incidence of these deaths, it is important to employ certain vital strategies. These include creating awareness amongst workers, increasing parental supervision of toddlers during their play at heights and psychological counselling for students.