Application of Domino Theory to Analyze Hazard Suppression in the Elderly Housing in Rural Areas of Thailand: A Case Study of Phichit Province

Abstract

     This study seeks to collect and analyze data for the purpose of creating concrete guidelines for the reduction of accidents caused by the physical environments in homes occupied by elderly people. The study utilizes the Domino Theory developed by H.W.Heinrich to analyze industrial accidents in the workplace. Qualitative data was collected for the study using purposive sampling method together with a survey of homes occupied by seniorsand in-depth interviews of the senior occupants and their relatives. The sample consists of 20 households selected from households with elderly persons in three districts in Phichit Province. Domino Theory is applied by representing simulated accident causes and hazards with an arrangement of five falling dominoes. If one domino falls, next dominoes will also fall. However, if one of dominoes is eliminated, so is its effect. The First Domino–Ancestry and Social Environment–has 14 risk factors such as eyesight and mobility problems suffered by many seniors. The Second Domino–Fault of Person –has 16 risk factors such
as carelessness, existence of and failure to remove physical hazards and lack of safety inspections. The Third Domino–Unsafe Act/Unsafe Condition–has 14 risk factorssuch as no safety equipment for the elderly, inappropriate use of materials and dilapidated houses in need of repair. The Fourth Domino–Accident–has 16 risk factors such as slipping and falling. The Fifth Domino involves–Injury–with 11risk factors such as broken bones and severe physical pain. Therefore, Domino Theory can be effective in eliminating the factors
causing accidents, especially those included in the second and third dominoes. There are three practice methods for hazard suppression, including 1) awareness, 2) home inspections, and 3) home maintenance and management of the physical environment in the homes of older persons. This study is explained by the Domino Theory to communicate with the elderly and their relatives who stayed in the studied houses. The result is that they begin to realize the chance accidents occurring in their residences.

Keywords: Accidents Elderly Housing in Rural Area Physical Environment Domino Theory the Abilities of the Elderly