Accidents and Injuries

Home Accidents

There are about 2.8 million home accidents each year where the victim visits A & E for treatment.

Over 40% of all childhood accidental injuries occur at home and in the garden. Falls are by far the biggest cause of home accidental injuries.

There are potential hazards within every home such as hot water, household chemicals, stairs, fireplaces, matches, alcohol and sharp objects such as knives or scissors.

The following safety tips can help prevent injuries to children by making the home a safer place for them:

Falls

	Fit safety gates to the top and bottom of stairs
	Check banister or balcony railings to make sure children cannot climb on them or fall through
	Keep furniture away from windows
	Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to avoid slips
	Fix loose carpets and mats and do not have trailing flexes

Burns and Scalds

	Fit smoke alarms and check regularly that they are working
	Keep children away from ovens, hobs and hotplates
	Turn pan handles toward the back of the stove and use back rings for cooking whenever possible
	Turn irons off immediately after use and never leave the flex dangling
	Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of small children

Poisoning

	Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children – preferably in a locked cupboard
	Keep all dangerous substances in original containers
	Remember that perfume, essential oils and alcohol can be poisonous to children

Links

For more information on safety in the home visit the following websites