Slips, Trips and Falls International Conference 2023

Slips, Trips and Falls (STF) International Conference was first held in Hopkinton, USA (2007), followed by successful conferences in Nottingham, UK (2008), Beijing, China (2009), Morgantown, USA (2010), Buxton, UK (2011), Recife, Brazil (2012), Tokyo, Japan (2013), Melbourne, Australia (2015), London, UK (2016), Toronto, Canada (2017), Florence, Italy (2018), Madrid, Spain (2020), Sendai, Japan (2022).

On June 1st and 2nd 2023, the international STF conference will be held again in Toronto, Canada, and hosted by The KITE Research Institute - University Health Network. This conference aims to bring together experts from North America and around the world to share research excellence, industrial advances and policy innovations in slip/trip/fall-related injury prevention. This conference is expecting to draw delegates from a wide variety of safety-related sectors, including risk and safety managers, architects and designers, planners and facilities managers, ergonomists and forensics experts, footwear or flooring manufacturers, policymakers, standards committee members, other safety and healthcare professionals, researchers, and engineering.

Toronto Skyline

If you have questions, please contact Yue.Li@uhn.ca or Alison.Novak@uhn.ca

General Information

The 2023 Slips, Trips, and Falls International Conference aims to:

  • Bring international attention and generate media interest in the issue of slip/trip/fall prevention
  • Inspire further development and advancement of slip/trip/fall prevention across numerous industries
  • Learn about international and “state of the art” developments on slip/trip/fall prevention evidence and programming
  • Foster new networks, collaborations and partnerships for the advancement of the art and science of slip/trip/fall prevention
  • Share ideas for innovative and creative solutions to the growing problem of slip/trip/fall-related injuries among our aging population

Conference format

Hybrid (in-person and online)

While it is hoped that everyone will be able to come to the conference to enjoy the stimulating discussions and camaraderie, we are holding a hybrid event to overcome any potential travel difficulties associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organizer

International Ergonomics Association (IEA) Slips, Trips, and Falls Technical Committee

Organizing Committee

  • Alison Novak (Conference Co-Chair, The KITE Research Institute - University Health Network, Canada)
  • Sophia Yue Li (Conference Co-Chair and STF committee Co-Chair, The KITE Research Institute - University Health Network, Canada)
  • Iris Levine (The KITE Research Institute - University Health Network, Canada)
  • Emily Cheung (The KITE Research Institute - University Health Network, Canada)
  • Katrina Mae Tapang (The KITE Research Institute - University Health Network, Canada)

Important Dates

Open Now Call for abstracts open
Feb 15th 2023 Extended Abstracts deadline
Mar 1st 2023 Notification of decision
Early Bird Registration Available to the first 75 registrants only
May 15th 2023 Last day for change of registration or cancellation with a refund
May 31st Registration Close

Call for Abstracts is now open!

The KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-UHN would like to invite you to submit abstracts for presentations at the Slips, Trips, and Falls International Conference 2023.

This STF Conference will provide a forum to discuss various aspects of fall prevention and protection in the community and workplace. Researchers, policymakers, technical experts and others around the world will present their latest work and products and exchange research ideas.

Important dates
Abstract submission opens: December 1, 2022
Abstract submission due: Feburay 15, 2023 (Extended abstract deadline)
Notification of decision: March 1, 2023

Abstracts will be accepted as "Individual (oral) presentations" OR as "Extended discussions/panel presentations". Each abstract may only be submitted in one category of presentation.

Key themes may include:
  • Measurement principles and technology
  • Human/behavioural factors
  • Risk-assessment
  • Architectural design
  • Practical analysis and accident investigation
  • Case studies
  • Products to reduce slips, trips and falls
  • Cleaning and maintenance
  • Footwear and flooring
  • Training and education
  • Public health policy
  • National and International safety standards
  • Other – You are not limited to the key themes identified above
Topics may include:
  • Preventing outdoor slips, trips and falls
  • Slips and falls in winter
  • Footwear design
  • Flooring
  • Falls from height
  • Falls prevention and protection in the construction industry
  • Bathrooms and changing rooms (i.e. wet environments)
  • Healthcare environments (i.e. hospitals, long term care facilities)
  • Tribometers
  • Stairs and ramps
  • Slips at work
  • Slips, trips and falls in a home environment
  • Luminance contrast
  • Use of virtual reality
  • Other – You are not limited to the topics identified above

Individual (oral) presentations

Individual presentations are sessions in which scientific, theoretical, and professional issues or practice information is exchanged. It is recommended that only one person present.
The total length of the session is ~15 minutes. This includes any Q&A time.

Extended discussions/panel presentations

Extended/panel discussions are intended to be an interactive, discussion-oriented forum, and may incorporate experience and knowledge of basic mechanisms through to application within industry, public health, and/or policy. Those interested in facilitating an extended/panel discussion are strongly encouraged to propose topics/sessions that will engage both the panelists and the audience and/or offer a learning experience on a particular topic. Panels should not be a series of short talks akin to an “Individual presentations” session. Panel organizers are responsible for the recruitment of panel members, and all panel members must be registered to attend the conference. Extended discussion abstracts must include a description of how the session will be facilitated.
The total length of the session is ~60 minutes. This includes any group discussion and Q&A time.

To submit an abstract:

Please download the abstract template here

Individual (oral) presentations:

We are committed to flexibility. Therefore, abstracts can be submitted either in a traditional, structured format (i.e. Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion), or as a brief summary outlining your contribution to the key theme and topical area. Abstracts must be no longer than 300 words. You may include one figure or table. All abstracts must be submitted in English. Please include 3-5 keywords to help us place your presentation in the appropriate session.

Extended discussions/panel presentations:

Please submit a maximum 1000-word plan for the panel presentation, including the overall theme and organization, the name of the panelists and a 100-word description of each panelist. You may include one figure or table. All abstracts must be submitted in English.

*Please identify the presentation type (Individual OR Extended/panel discussion) when submitting your abstract

Please submit abstracts (PDF files only) at https://kite-uhn.com/stf/registration

Abstract submission deadline: January 15, 2023

Acceptance Requirements:

Upon submission, the primary contact will be notified by email that the abstract has been received. Authors of successful submissions will be notified by email by March 1, 2023. The successful presenting author(s) must register for the conference by March 31, 2023 to be included in the conference program. All costs to attend the conference are the sole responsibility of the presenters. For more information, please visit our website and search under the Program tab: https://kite-uhn.com/stf?program

Program at a Glance*

Thursday, June 1st
8:15am - 8:45am Registration
8:45am - 8:55am Opening Welcome
8:55am - 10:15am Session 1: Technological approaches to risk and hazard assessment
10:15am - 10:35am Morning coffee & networking break
10:35am - 11:40am Session 2: Current issues in tribometer use and validity
11:40am - 12:40pm Lunch and Tours
12:40pm - 1:40pm Session 3: Designing, identifying and promoting safer footwear (Opening remarks by the platinum sponsor, Mark's Work Wearhouse)
1:40pm - 1:45pm Stretch Break
1:45pm - 2:40pm Session 4: Safer Winter Walking
2:40pm - 3:00pm Afternoon coffee & networking break
3:00pm - 3:45pm Session 5: Characterizing gait, balance and fall recovery
3:45pm - 3:55pm Stretch Break
3:55pm - 4:45pm Panel 1: Designing and retrofitting for people movement safety in facilities for public assembly seating
6:00pm - 6:15pm Optional guided walk to dinner location (approximately 15 minutes)
6:30pm DINNER
Friday, June 2nd
8:30am - 9:20am Panel 2: Using citizen science and m-health technologies to improve stair fall surveillance
9:20am - 9:40am Morning coffee & networking break
9:40am - 11:00am Session 6: Preventing falls in the workspace
11:00am - 11:10am Stretch Break
11:10am - 12:05pm Session 7: Characterizing gait, balance and fall recovery II
12:05am - 1:00pm Lunch and Tours
1:00pm - 1:50pm Panel 3: Targeted Slip, Trip & Fall prevention - Winter Weather Safety Plans
1:50pm - 2:10pm Afternoon coffee & networking break
2:10pm - 3:15pm Session 8: Fall risk and the built environment
3:15pm - 3:25pm Stretch Break
3:25pm - 4:20pm Session 9: Broadening our understanding and strategies to address falls
4:20pm - 4:30pm Closing remarks

STF 2023 Full Program

* This program is a preliminary version and is subject to change without notice. A more detailed program will be published soon.

Registration

Regular Full Registrant Rate 499.00 CAD*
Virtual Attendee 99.00 CAD*
Additional Guest Welcome Reception Ticket** 120.00 CAD*
*plus applicable taxes

**Enjoy food and drinks with your friends and colleagues during the conference reception. Tickets for this event are included with all full conference registrations. Additional tickets may be purchased at Registration.

*ONE Registration Fee Includes the following for the Registered attendee:

  1. Welcome reception
  2. Printed Name Card
  3. Conference Folder
  4. Participation in the conference program
  5. Printed Proceedings
  6. Coffee breaks on the conference days
  7. Lunch on the conference days

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Sponsorship and Exhibitor

There are exciting sponsorship opportunities available for this event. The sponsorship and exhibitor package can be found below:

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Package

Headline Sponsor:

Marks logo

Lunch Sponsor:

SBCI Logo

Conference Exhibitors:

Assistep Logo Loop Logo Parachute Logo
Hill Sound Logo Shoes for Crews Logo

Conference Venue

Conference Venue

Getting to the Venue

Nearest Major Intersection
  • University Avenue and Dundas Street. University Centre is at the corner of Elm Street, one block north of Dundas.

Public Transportation

https://www.ttc.ca/trip-planner

Subway

St. Patrick subway station, on the University branch of the Yonge-University-Spadina line (Line 1)

Streetcar

505 Dundas - University stop, and walk one block north up University Avenue

Bus

The 13B Avenue Road bus stops along University Avenue.

Parking

University Centre does not have its own parking lot. However, there are several public parking garages close by, including on Murray Street (directly behind University Centre).

Street parking is restricted on the streets around our hospitals. Some street parking is available on nearby side streets. Please read parking signs carefully.

Accessibility

There are many ways we can help with your visit to UHN. Learn more about the Accessibility Services we provide and how we can help you with your visit.

Accessible Parking

Wheelchair-accessible parking is available at all UHN parking lots. Learn about how to get an accessible parking permit.

About Toronto

Toronto is the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario. It is located within the Golden Horseshoe in Southern Ontario on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is ranked the second-best city in North America for quality of living and is the largest city in Canada and the fourth-largest city in North America by population. Growing at a clip of more than 100,000 new residents a year, Canada's largest city keeps getting larger. But the continued population boom hasn't changed Toronto's character. Long known for welcoming multiculturalism and diversity (more than 140 languages are spoken), the city has also made substantial investments in public transportation and technology, making the city even more attractive to newcomers and Silicon Valley talent. Welcoming over 40 million visitors annually, Toronto is the leading tourism destination in Canada. This bold, dynamic city offers superb attractions, music and events backed by the best convention and sports facilities in Canada.

Transportation

There are many forms of transport in the city of Toronto, including highways and public transit. The city also has an extensive network of bicycle lanes and multi-use trails and paths.

Restaurants

Toronto has a dynamic and diverse culinary scene. Internationally-acclaimed chefs head restaurants like the three-storey Momofuku (a favourite among visiting celebrities), while high-in-the-sky eateries like 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower pair mouth-watering meals with unparalleled views.

Shopping

The city has emerged as a major style destination. Stores abound with luxury designer items, unique vintage finds and top home décor, and high fashion can be found around every corner.

Contact Information

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If you have questions, please contact Yue.Li@uhn.ca or Alison.Novak@uhn.ca