Health Promotion

Accidents are a major cause of injury, disability and death, particularly among young children and older people. In England, accidents are responsible for 10,000 deaths a year. Accidents have a significant impact on society both emotionally and financially. The following factors have been proven to have an affect on accident rates:

• Age
• Gender - statistically males have more accidents than females.
• Environmental hazards - such as poorly maintained housing
• Social deprivation - such as homelessness and poor health
• Physical and mental health - depression and stress can increase the risk of accidents
• Alcohol and Drugs - is a factor in 20% - 30% of all accidents
• Seasonal variations
• Human behaviour - an individual's attitude toward risk and safety is a major contributor of accident rates.

One third of all accidents to adults occur in the home. The home is also a site of many serious accidents to children from fires, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning and cuts. About half the deaths among children under 5 happen in the home. Click for information about child safety.

A house in full of potential hazards that can lead to accidents such as falls. Falls are the most common cause of serious injury and accidental death in the home. Many home accidents can be prevented by a few simple modifications to your home:

Rugs: Repair or remove frayed or curled rug edges of rugs as these may cause you to trip and fall. In addition, use non-slip mats under rugs to keep them from sliding when you walk on them.

Furniture: Make sure that pathways within your home are unobstructed and free from clutter.

Shelves: Store frequently used items in areas that are easy to access. Stretching to reach shelves that are too high increases your risk of having an accident.

Stairs: Make sure stairs have handrails which will help provide balance.

Bathtubs and showers: To avoid slipping, install handrails for support and put non-slip mats in the tub.

Windows: For fire safety, keep windows unblocked and clear for emergency exit.

Tables: Be sure that tables have sturdy legs. Avoid tables with glass tops as they can cause injury if you bump into a sharp edge.

Chairs: Make sure chairs are stable. Never use chairs with wheels for support.

Lighting: Make sure you have enough lighting in all areas of your home and that the lights are sufficiently bright to see any hazards.

Wires and cords: Keep trailing wires away from walking areas in your home.

Smoke alarm: Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially in the bedrooms. Regulary check that it's batteries are working.

Older people are at particular risk of death and disability from falls on stairs or steps. Over 3,000 people over the age of 65 years are killed annually in falls.

As a part of their 'Avoiding slips, trips and broken hips' campaign, the Department of Trade and Industry issued the following guidelines to reduce the risks of falls.

These simple steps can prevent pain and injury caused by falls.

• Keep physically active.
  Weak muscles and poor balance can cause someone to fall. Regular exercise such as brisk walking or light gardening can improve these conditions.
• Take fewer risks in your routine.
  When getting out of bed or up from a chair, take your time. It is a good idea to do it in slow stages, so as not to become light-headed.
• Be aware of changes in your health.
  Have regular eye tests and foot care. If you are taking more than four medications, ask your GP to review them on a regular basis. Let a friend or neighbour know if you are feeling unwell.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet
  Ensure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of fracture. Choose low-fat versions of calcium rich foods, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting or open-backed shoes and shoes with heels that may cause you to slip or trip.
• Take precautions in the home.
  Simple modifications in your home can help reduce accidents. (Read 'Home Safety' above)

Ten Top Tips for Safety on the Stairs

1. Light up your stairs
2. Take care when carrying things up and down stairs
3. Take care when cleaning
4. Keep stairs and landings free of clutter
5. See your stairs, wear glasses if necessary.
6. Consider your carpet
7. More haste - less speed
8. Stay steady
9. Hold the handrail
10. Keep using the stairs. Exercise helps to maintain muscle strength, balance and co-ordination.

If you do fall

• Try not to panic!
• If you feel pain, try to attract attention before moving.
• If you can not get help, try getting to a chair and sit on it before standing.
• If you can not get up, try to keep warm by covering yourself with something nearby. Tense your leg regularly to produce heat.
• Try to contact a neighbour or relative by banging on a wall or by phoning if possible.
• Inform your GP after a fall.

Click to learn about the 'Full of Beans' programme for older people.

Road traffic accidents are the main cause of accidental death and injury. Most road accidents have several causes. These include:

Human error - Ninety-five percent of all road accidents involve human error. These are attributed to alcohol, inexperience, tiredness, illness, stress, carelessness among other reasons.

Environmental problems - Weather conditions, road surfaces, road and juncition design are a factor in approximately 18 percent of road accidents.

Mechanical faults - This accounts for only 5.5 percent of road accidents. This is a relatively small figure because of annual 'MOT' tests.

Most road accidents could be prevented with care and some common sense actions. If you are planning to drive:

• Make sure you are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel.
  Have your eyesight tested regularly.
  Take rest breaks when taking long journeys.
  Wear your seat belt.
  Don't drink alcohol if you intend to drive.

Do not drive if you feel tired or poorly, have been drinking alcohol or are taking drugs or medicines that may make you sleepy.

• Keep your vehicle in a good and safe condition. It's the law.
  Check tyre pressure
  Ensure the tread depth of your tyres is at least 1.6mm
  Keep all lights clean and in working order
  Be careful not to dazzle other road users with your main beam
  Keep windscreen clean
  Keep washers full
  Don't put stickers on the windows

Keep alert when driving in order to anticipate the actions of other road users.