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Accident Prevention

There can be so many risks inside and outside the home, it can be hard to keep track of them all.

For instance, did you know that:

  • Falls are one of the most common causes of childhood accidents?
  • Six toddlers are admitted to hospital every day because they’ve been so badly burned?
  • Many accidents can be prevented in just one minute, by moving dangerous objects out of a child’s reach?

Find out more about …

Six toddlers are admitted to hospital every day because they’ve been badly burned. Babies and young children have such delicate skin that they can be burned far more easily than adults.

Twelve children under 10 are killed or injured as passengers in cars every day. Car seats prevent deaths and serious injury.

Each day around 40 under-5s are rushed to hospital after choking on something, or swallowing something dangerous. Food is the most likely cause, but small objects and toys can also be risky for young children.

Most children love to cycle, and it’s a great way for them to keep fit and healthy. It takes a while to learn, but once they’ve got a bike many children will want to push the boundaries, cycling further and faster. With a few safety tips, you can help them learn to cycle responsibly.

The good news is that children are at very little risk from electric shocks. But electrical appliances can be dangerous in other ways. Old appliances and children playing with electric appliances can cause burns and fires.

Each day, around 45 toddlers are taken into hospital because they’ve had a serious fall. These usually happen at home or in the garden, and there’s lots you can do to reduce the risk of your child falling.

Most children who die in fires die because they breathe in smoke which poisons them, rather than being burnt by the actual fire. Get some tips on preventing fires in your home.

Watching fireworks is great fun. But taking care is important especially as children are more likely to get hurt by fireworks than adults. There are simple things that can reduce the risk to your family.

Every day, 15 young children are admitted into hospital because it’s thought they’ve swallowed something poisonous.

Most children’s toys are actually very safe. Accidents involving toys usually happen when a young child plays with a toy that is meant for an older child, or when someone trips over toys that have been left out. The reminders below will give you an idea of how to help your children play safely.

Some accidents seem very unlikely – most people don’t think it is possible for their child to strangle themselves. But there are a growing number of cases of children catching themselves on blind cords or other loops, often when they’re climbing. If your child gets tangled in one of these cords it could be fatal.

Young children can be fascinated by water, and swimming is great for a child’s health and fitness. Here are some tips to make sure that their time in the water is fun and safe.

Babies and young children don’t have the control that adults have over their bodies. They can wriggle and squirm but it is harder for them to move out of a dangerous situation.

There is growing evidence that the liquid nicotine refills from e-cigarettes pose a significant poisoning risk to young children. Hospitals are reporting growing numbers of children accidentally swallowing liquid nicotine from e-cigarette refills.

Button batteries are the small, round batteries you find in toys and everyday appliances like calculators and remote controls. They can be extremely dangerous for children, and if swallowed, can kill within a matter of hours.

National Resources         

The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) is the UK’s leading charity working to reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents.

For 100 years, RoSPA has been quietly working behind the scenes to change both legislation and attitudes surrounding accidents. From the compulsory wearing of seatbelts and the campaign to stop drink driving, to the Cycling Proficiency Test and to the more recent ban on handheld mobile phones behind the wheel, RoSPA has been instrumental in shaping our society for the better, preventing millions of deaths and serious injuries along the way.

 

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