The Incidence of Falls Involving Rugs and Carpeting

A rug is a piece of thick, heavy fabric that is used as floor covering or as a decoration. A rug has a pile or nap (a ridge of fibers that is raised from the surface) and may be woven in a variety of styles, including allover designs, panel compositions, and medallion systems. Rugs are also more versatile than carpet and can be used as attractive door mats or in bedrooms or as sofa throws.

A soft, woven woolen rug can make a room feel cozy and inviting. They are warmer than hardwood or tile and help cushion the impact of footsteps. Rugs are especially important in conversation areas, where they can help tie a seating arrangement together, and under tables in a dining area.

When choosing a rug, consider the space and the type of use it will get. A rug in a high traffic area should be extra durable, and a rug near an exterior entrance should be able to wick moisture away from feet.

This article analyzed the incidence of falls involving rugs and carpeting. Falls involving rugs and carpets are more frequent than those involving other flooring types and may result in more serious injury. The authors analyzed cases of adults aged 65 years and older treated at an NEISS-AIP ED for a non-fatal, unintentional fall that involved a rug or carpeting. Using product codes 0612 (runners, throw rugs and door mats), 0613 (room-sized rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting), and/or 0676 (rug or carpet, not specified), the authors identified 146 cases of adult falls involving a rug or carpet between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2008. Among these, 66 were fatal.