163 fatal road traffic accidents resulting in 178 deaths occurring from 1983-1987 in a Danish country have been studied from a preventive perspective. Alcohol was an important factor in 41% of all fatal RTAs. Other factors such as high speed, the use of seat belts and helmets, and technical defects are mentioned. Also the material has been analysed according to types of accidents. Prospects for the local prevention of RTAs are discussed with particular emphasis on accidents related alcohol and high speed. Examples are given of preventive activities where experience gained through the present study have been useful.

Scald burns to the feet and lower extremities in children are described in the literature as often resulting from forced immersions. This report illustrates cases of burns whose distribution and historical factors identify them as accidental. The location of these accidental burns is similar to those found in inflicted injury, but the patterns were indicative of flowing water burns, not forced immersions. Burns in these locations may be confused with abuse. Medical providers need to be aware of information that may enable them to distinguish the 2 causes. Effective caregiver education regarding the importance of lowering the temperature of water heaters and discouraging play in household sinks is critical to prevent additional tap water scald burn injuries.

A 3 year old boy was strangled by a wall light fixture (illustration included) consisting of 2 strings with rings on the ends hanging down from the wall plate, putting the control of the light within the reach of a toddler.

The government is being urged to implement a nationwide programme to relieve pressure on emergency departments (EDs) by preventing accidental injuries to under-fives.

Originally published in 1950 this "Injury Classic" investigated the incidence and causes of accidental child injury in Britain in the late 1940s. Most injuries had occurred at home and variations in housing conditions had little effect on the incidence.

Non-accidental bath drowning is an infrequently reported form of child abuse. Details of 44 children who suffered from drowning or near drowning in the bath were analysed from a two year 1988-9 UK study to investigate factors that might point to abuse. In 28 cases the story was of accidental submersion with a baby of modal age 9 months being left unsupervised in a bath. Two other neonates briefly slipped from the parents arms while having a bath. Four bathtub drownings were related to epilepsy. In contrast 10 cases had stories very suggestive of abuse with inconsistent histories, previous history of abuse, and late presentation for medical care. A diagnosis of abuse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical bathtub immersions in the absence of epilepsy and developmental delay.

This Guide is one of a series of five publications addressing topics in child safety and injury prevention. They are aimed at anyone involved with the safety or care of children who has the opportunity to promote safety to parents, carers and decision-makers, or control the environment where children spend their time. This Guide aims to give practitioners an overview of why injuries to children happen and what can be done to prevent them. It concentrates mostly on providing a clear and straightforward guide to the relationship between child development and unintentional injury, in order to widen our understandings as to why these injuries occur.

When deciding what is safe for a child with special needs the main consideration is the same as with any other child – knowing the child and knowing his or her abilities and behaviour. Safety guidance is often written in a very general way and may describe ages at which it is safe for children to undertake certain activities. This always has to be approximate as children vary hugely even within the same family. It is often more helpful to talk about developmental stages...

These materials aim to help those involved in housing and supporting homeless families to look at the question of child accidents in temporary accommodation to to agree appropriate preventive measures. The kit contains loose leaf sheets divided into 4 sections; the case for action; improving the accommodation; services and support to families in temporary accommodation; liaison and coordination.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the ignition risk of aerosols under normal foreseeable conditions of use, and in particular to assess the number of incidents, injuries and fatalities caused by ignition of aerosol dispensers in several EU member states. Summary: The number of accidents and any associated injuries and fatalities caused by igniting aerosols is very small. Based on the five countries for which data has been gathered and grossing up to the total EU, there are an estimated 120 incidents, 75 injuries (of which 25 are serious requiring in-patient treatment) and 0.35 deaths per annum. Based on the number of accidents per million products purchased each year, aerosols present a negligible fire risk to consumers compared to other commonly used consumer products, such as washing machines, upholstered furniture, televisions and clothing.

This clipping describes the important points of the report. The actual report is on order from Kidsafe.

This book looks at injury and its prevention from three different approaches: The Epidemiological, the Psychosocial and Technological and Legislative approach. The authors draw on their backgrounds in Engineering, medicine, psychology and education.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of accidents as a cause of death and ill health and to show how dangerous the domestic environment is.

Accidents in the home to children under 5 in a multiracial population with a high level of social disadvantage were studied by interviewing at home the parents of children attending the accident department of a London hospital during one year. The outcome was that social disadvantage seems to be more important than ethnicity as a determinant of accidents to children in the home.

The objective of this research was to explore possible "autonomous" developments (in the sense of being independent of government intervention) in the field of accidents and the treatment of accident victims and to specificy the effects of possible policy measures, in relation to both the prevention of accidnts and improvements in the care for accident victims. This is a comprehensive study which looks at the accident picture in Denmark and gives possible prevention scenarios based on the research. Deals with all accidents not just child injury.

The research has two objectives; to explore the possible "autonomous" development (in the sense of being independent of government intervention) in the field of accidents and the treatment of accident victims; and to specify the effects of possible policy measures, in relation to both the prevention of accidents and improvements in the care of accident victims. The research was exploratory rather than predictive.

A booklet which focuses on child home injury prevention and gives an overview of child development and the injury/ accident risks posed at different stages. It also simply describes the major home injury categories and the relevant prevention strategies. This item also includes useful references.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory for all New Zealand cyclists but controls on what helmets are sold and how well they are worn are in a mess. Consumer testing found one model they think should be recalled.

Accidents are the leading cause of death and injury among children in the United States, far surpassing diseases as a health threat. The authors examine the effects of child care regulation on rates of accidental injury using both micro data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, and Vital Statistics mortality records. Estimates from both data sources suggest that requiring day care center directors to have more education reduces the incidence of unintentional injuries. An auxiliary analysis of the choice of child care mode confirms that these regulations are binding and that higher educational requirements tend to crowd some children out of care, as do regulations requiring frequent inspections of child care facilities and lower pupil–teacher ratios. Thus, regulation creates winners and losers: Some children benefit from safer environments, while those who are squeezed out of the regulated sector are placed at higher risk of injury.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of external cause of injury codes (E codes) reported in computerized hospital discharge records. All civilian hospitals in Washington State submit computerized data for each hospital discharge to a file maintained by the Department of Health. In 1996, 32 hospitals accounted for 80% of the injury related discharges in this file; from these hospitals, we sampled 1260 computerized records for injured patients in a stratified, but random,manner. An expert coder then visited the 32 study hospitals, reviewed the medical records that corresponded to each computerized record, and assigned an E code for that hospitalization. The computerized E code information was compared with codes provided by the expert reviewer. Results showed that the incidence of hospitalization for injury based upon computerized hospital discharge data was very similar to that based upon chart review: incidence rate ratio 1.0. Computerized hospital discharge data correctly ranked injuries in regard to both mechanism and intent. Overall agreement on coding was 87% for mechanism of injury, 95% for intent of injury, and 66% for the complete E code. The sensitivity of computerized hospital discharge data for identification of falls, motor vehicle traffic injuries, poisonings, and firearm injuries was 91% or better. The predictive value positive of coding for these four categories of injury ranged from 88% for motor vehicle traffic injuries to 94% for poisonings. The amount of agreement for intent coding ranged from 84% for firearm injuries to 99% for falls. Agreement on coding of the complete E code ranged from 57% for firearm injuries to 72% for poisonings. In conclusion, computerized hospital discharge data can be used with confidence to determine how many injuries are treated in a hospital setting and the relative magnitude of various categories of injury. E codes reported in hospital discharge data are a reliable source of information on the mechanism and intent of injury, the two types of information most often used for injury related analyses and priority setting. The detail codes (complete E codes) reported in hospital discharge codes are less reliable and must be used with caution.

this is a postcard from the New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy with the following message: The New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy is an expression of the Government's commitment to working with organisations and groups in the wider community to improve the country's injury prevention performance.

The 74 local authorities in New Eland were surveyed by postal questionnaire about their enforcement of the FOSP (Fencing of Swimming Pools) Act. It was estimated that there are over 59,000 domestic pools in the country, i.e. 16 pools per 1000 persons. Nineteen per cent of pools were reported as not complying with Act, and the status of a further 33% was not known. Differing levels of local authority commitment and ambiguity of the legislation itself reveals that compliance with the FOSP Act is not nationally consistent.

This plan is the public health sector’s response to the New Zealand Health Strategy. The New Zealand Health Strategy has asked for public health and population approaches to be at the centre of health sector activity. This document is the considered thinking of the public health sector in response to this strategic challenge. Public health makes a difference when society collectively moves on an issue. The basis of effective public health action is not a single service or intervention, but the organised efforts of society itself. This framework for public health action outlines the role the public health sector can play. The public health sector is small, so its influence is not due to its size, but its ability to work effectively across society in the pursuit of improved health for all people. Five objectives are identified. Each will challenge existing public health practice. The objectives of leadership in public health and public health action across the whole health sector will require public health services to move more boldly into the mainstream of health services, to advocate for and energise population approaches. Promotion of healthy communities and environments will assist in moving the focus from individual risks and behaviour into the nature of the community and the environment in which we live. The focus on research and evaluation, and an outcomes focus, will provide the disciplines required for effective action. Also see rec # 6151.

This document provides a framework for public health action over the next three to five years and beyond. It aims to contribute to the public health goals of the New Zealand Health Strategy (see rec # 5481) by: 1) guiding the work of the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards in planning and funding public and other health services 2) guiding the actions of public health providers 3) providing a framework for action for agencies and organisations that have a role to play in shaping and influencing public health. This document outlines a vision, mission and three overarching goals for public health action. Under the goals, there are five inter-related objectives, each highlighting specific focus areas for public health action. 1) Build strong public health leadership at all levels and across all sectors 2) Encourage effective public health action across the whole of the health sector 3) Promote healthy communities and healthy environments 4) make better use of research and evaluation in developing public health policy and practice 5) Achieve measurable progress on public health outcomes. Also see rec # 7323.

The overall objective of this report was to inform the injury prevention workforce about environmental strategies for ensuring that hot water can be delivered safely to homes in a sustainable manner. Options outlined in this document can effectively lower hot tap water temperatures, which will contribute to a marked reduction in scalds to children. Barriers to lowering home hot water temperatures are also discussed.

Background information is given on domestic hot water systems, problems and injuries in New Zealand. Three different options for safe hot water delivery in exisiting homes are discussed.

Dishwasher detergents can cause serious injury if swallowed. 11 common brands were tested and three were found to be safer than the rest. Article provides safety advice.

CAPT initiated this study in May 1990. The CAPT had noticed a growing interest in child safety on the part of the general public and local practitioners and felt that this should be responded to in a planned manner, possibly in the form of a national campaign.

This is a pamphlet which introduces the organisation Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa (ACYA). ACYA seeks to promote respect for children and youth and their rights.

This first newsletter of the Action for Children in Aotearoa Interim Committee includes information on the government draft of report to the UN on children and young people, Labour and Alliance policies, current affairs, links to relevant websites etc.

Comments on the New Zealand Government report to the UN, which, according to the authors, did not accurately represent the reality of life for children in this country

This preface overviews the magnitude of child injury in the UK and calls for radical change and commitment to the prevention of injury. Issues discussed include funding, national co-ordination of prevention work and the establishment of a national centre for injury prevention.

This publication from the European Child Safety Alliance, a programme of Eurosafe, is a resource developed to assist policy and programme developers with the identification, selection and implementation of evidence-based, 'good practices' to prevent unintentional injuries in children: “The Child Safety Action Plan (CSAP) project is a large-scale initiative that has run from 2004-2010 whose aim is to develop child safety action plans in participating countries in Europe. It aims to raise awareness and commitment to address a leading cause of death for children in Members States through three broad areas of activity: 1) child safety report cards and profiles, 2) encouraging adoption, implementation and monitoring of evidence-based good practices and 3) child safety action plan development and mentoring processes. This update provides an overview and progress report on the three broad areas of activity undertaken to support participating countries in reaching the desired outcomes of a government endorsed national child safety action plan and increased capacity at the national level to undertake action to address child injuries, and highlights lessons learned and the value and impact of the initiative. We also propose goals and actions for a European Child Safety Action Plan at the end of the report as an important next step in supporting child safety in Europe. The value of the Child Safety Action Plan Project over its two phases has been greater than anticipated. The evidence-based action indicator approach has provided a credible project framework, useful tools for planning and monitoring and there is early evidence that it is driving adoption and implementation of evidence-based good practices. This approach to planning provides a model for other areas of injury to consider for enabling a coordinated, comprehensive and evidence-based approach to injury reduction efforts.�? See also records # 8529 and # 9112. Available at: http://www.eurosafe.eu.com/csi/eurosafe2006.nsf/wwwFreeText/pressrelease.htm?OpenDocument&context;=D09BE17E528E744DC12571770024CA82

The purpose of this Action Statement is to provide strategic direction for health promoters. Sections include: Vision and Values; Priority Areas for Action; Supporting Effective Action.

Outlines regulations dealing with carbon monoxide in the workplace and gives comment by a Dr Gun, Dept of Community Medicine and Mrs King, National Safety Council of Australia.;On 15 July 1991 49 workers at a fish processing plant in Adelaide required hospital treatment for exposure to carbon monoxide. After this incident top state emergency and health officials met to examine ways of preventing further incidents. This brief article outlines the results of that meeting.

In the December 2001 issue of Pediatrics, Spiller and Rodgers present data showing that parents were able to administer a dose of activated charcoal to their children, at home, in a timely manner after an unintentional ingestion. Activated charcoal has long been preferred for decontamination in the emergency department. Some readers may be quick to anticipate substitution of activated charcoal for syrup of ipecac in the home. However, before we start a discussion of replacing syrup of ipecac with activated charcoal in the home, we need to finish the discussion about the place of home decontamination in pediatric health care and whether we should expend additional public education efforts or limited anticipatory guidance time on it.

INTRODUCTION: Elementary school active transportation programs aim to address physical inactivity in children by prompting a modal shift from travel by car to walking or cycling among children living a distance from school conducive to walking or cycling. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the risk of injury related to walking, cycling and travelling by car between home and school among elementary-school students in the Montréal area and to evaluate the impact on number of injuries of a modal shift from travel by car to walking or cycling. METHODS: The risk of injury was estimated for the 2003-2007 period by calculating the average annual rate of injury in children aged 5 to 12 years walking, cycling or being driven in a car, per 100 million kms travelled during the normal hours of travel between home and school. The impact of a modal shift from travel by car was evaluated for children living a distance from school conducive to walking and cycling (under 1.6 km), that is, the targets of active transportation programs. This evaluation was done using the regional rate of injury calculated for each travel mode. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2007, an average of 168 children aged 5 to 12 years were injured each year while walking (n = 64), cycling (n = 28) and being driven in a car (n = 76) during the normal hours of travel between home and school in the Montréal area. The rate of injury was 69 children injured per 100 million kms for travel by car (reference group), 314 pedestrians (relative risk [RR] = 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.3-5.1) and 1519 cyclists (RR = 22.2; 95% CI: 14.3-30.0). A shift of 20% in the distance travelled by car to walking by children living less than 1.6 km from their school is estimated to result in an increase of 2.2% (n = 3.7) in the number of children injured each year in the area. In the case of a shift to cycling, the number of resulting injuries is estimated to be 24.4, an increase of 14.5%. CONCLUSION: The risk of injury among elementary-school students during the normal hours of travel between home and school is higher for walking and cycling than for travel by car, and cyclists are at greater risk of injury than pedestrians. A modal shift from travel by car would increase the number of children injured in the area (minor injuries, for the most part) if no action were taken to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists.

Background: Active commuting to school by walking or cycling can have positive impact on children’s health and development. The study investigates the prevalence of active commuting to school in Sweden, a setting where it is facilitated and promoted; and how active commuting varies according to socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Methods: Self-reports from a national sample of Swedish children (11- to 15-year-olds, n = 4415) and a regional one from Stockholm County (13-year-olds, n = 1008) on transport to school were compared. The association that active commuting has with socio-demographic (gender, school grade, Swedish origin, type of housing, urbanicity in the local area), and socio-economic characteristics (household socio-economic status, family car ownership) was studied using logistic regression, controlling for car ownership and urbanicity, respectively. Results: Active commuting was high (62.9% in the national sample) but decreased with age—76% at the age of 11 years, 62% at the age of 13 years and 50% at the age of 15 years—whereas public transport increased (19–43%). Living in an apartment or row-house (compared with detached house) and living in a medium-sized city (compared with a metropolitan area) was associated with active commuting. In urban areas, active commuting was more common in worker households compared with intermediate- to high-level salaried employees. Conclusion: Active commuting is common but decreases with age. Active commuting differed based on housing and urbanicity but not based on gender or Swedish origin, and impact of socio-economic factors differed depending on level of urbanicity. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckr042

Background Active commuting to school (ACS) can be a significant source of physical activity and provide many health benefits. OBJECTIVE This study identified the potential to increase physical activity levels by promoting ACS in Finnish schools and evaluated the effects of season, distance and age on ACS. Design Data were collected with a questionnaire from 5,107 students, aged 10-16, in 45 comprehensive schools in Finland. The distance and the mode of transport to school in different seasons were self-reported. RESULTS The prevalence of ACS was over 80% during spring/fall for those living 0-5 km from school. ACS was inversely associated with the distance to school and was lower in winter compared to spring and fall. Cycling is less common in winter, especially among girls and younger students. The potential for increasing students' physical activity levels via ACS seems to be largest in winter, especially among students living 1-5 km from school. The variation in the prevalence of ACS between schools was large, especially in winter. CONCLUSIONS When planning interventions to promote ACS, one is encouraged to acknowledge and evaluate the potential in the selected target schools in different seasons. The potential varies largely between schools and seasons and is highly dependent on students' commuting distances.