Fall from walnut tree: an occupational hazard

Background: Falls from walnut trees are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in Kashmir. This study has been undertaken to evaluate the resultant disabilities and identify methods to prevent such injuries. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by the Accident and Emergency Department in which case histories (available in Medical Records Department) of all patients with falls from walnut trees were studied and analysed. Results: The patients are young and robust males. The cervical spine injuries are most common (27.50%) followed by brain contusion (26.43%). Mortality is 24.13%. About 18% of patients get permanent disability (paralysed for life). Conclusion: The significant mortality and morbidity associated with falls from walnut trees is due to crude traditional methods applied in collection of walnuts. If the farmers are educated and more scientific methods based on common sense used many lives can be saved. Falls from walnut trees need to be included as an occupational hazard in medical literature.