Health
Medical Experts Warn of Slip and Fall Risks During Thailand's Rainy Season
Doctors in Thailand are advising the public to avoid specific types of footwear during heavy rain to prevent serious injuries from slips and falls.
As Thailand experiences continuous heavy rainfall, medical experts have issued a warning regarding the increased risk of slip-and-fall accidents on wet surfaces. According to a report by Khaosod Online, Dr. Huang Xuan, a critical care specialist, noted that emergency rooms frequently treat patients who have suffered bone fractures due to falls during the rainy season.
Dr. Xuan highlighted that worn-out or ill-fitting footwear significantly compromises stability on slippery ground. The expert identified five categories of footwear that pose a higher risk of accidents when walking on wet surfaces:
- Worn-out shoes: Soles with faded treads lose their grip and water-drainage efficiency.
- Flip-flops and loose sandals: These fail to secure the heel, causing the foot to slide or the shoe to detach easily in water.
- High heels and unstable thick-soled shoes: These reduce ground contact and raise the body's center of gravity, increasing the risk of ankle sprains.
- Hard, smooth-soled shoes: These offer minimal friction on surfaces like wet tiles, metal covers, or road markings.
For residents and travelers, this serves as a reminder to prioritize footwear with adequate grip and support during the monsoon months. While the medical advice focuses on physical mechanics, it remains to be seen if local authorities will issue further public safety guidelines regarding pedestrian infrastructure during extreme weather events.