9 August 2006

UC investigates off piste causes of ski accidents

How the actions of skiers and boarders in the 24 hours before may contribute to an on-snow accident is being investigated by a University of Canberra researcher.

This research is part of a broader snowsport safety research agenda at the University that includes risk taking and sensation seeking, as well as participants' knowledge and behaviour related to snowsport safety.

The new project will examine what social factors including fatigue, hydration, nutrition, living conditions and alcohol/drug use may be contributing to people being injured on-snow.

The month-long research will see people who have been injured, both workers and visitors, quizzed about the 'social context' of their injury - in addition to basic questions about what happened and their level of experience on the snow.

"There is evidence that dehydration contributes to fatigue, which contributes to accidents - we're interested in whether an accident could have been avoided if a skier or boarder had more fluid to drink before they hit the slopes, or if you had a late night or disturbed sleep before your accident, was this a factor?" researcher Tracey Dickson said.

"There has been substantial research that has focused on reducing injury rates through equipment design or wearing protective equipment such as wrist guards or helmets, but there is little research exploring the social factors that may contribute to injury rates and severity."

Dr Dickson said the research also built on previous work highlighting the situation of seasonal workers in the resorts, who may be working a couple of jobs to support themselves as well as spending time skiing or boarding.

All patients over the age of 18 with an injury from an on-snow incident - including skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tobogganing and snowplay - will be invited to participate in the anonymous survey at five physiotherapy/medical practices in the Snowy Mountains region.

Dr Dickson will collect data between 12 August and 11 September - targeting the peak season for people visiting the snow.

The results should be available later this year and will identify links between social factors and injury rates and injury severity. It is intended that results will be presented at the 17th International Skiing Safety Symposium to be held in Scotland in May 2007.

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
T: 02 6201 5855
M: 0409 470 755

Kaddie Pass
T: 02 6201 2681

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Last Updated on August 1, 2005