Accidents and injuries

Every year in Wales some 1,100 people die and more than 400,000 attend accident and emergency centres as a result of accidents.  Simple everyday tasks such as crossing the road, preparing a meal, working in the office or carrying out DIY can result in an accident - and almost everyone has suffered one at some time or other, whether a small inconvenience or something more serious.  Yet so many accidents can be prevented.

Here are some simple tips to help you reduce the risk of accident or injury:

• Be aware of your surroundings
  Many injuries sustained by falling, tripping, slipping, electrocution, scalds, burns, car accidents or even incidents of drowning or suffocation could have been avoided by paying more attention to the surroundings.  Make it second nature to assess the risks posed by things around you and anticipate things that could go wrong.
• Always follow any provided guidelines
  Most equipment, from filing cabinets to lawnmowers, will come with instructions.  Making sure you know how to use things properly could save your life or help you avoid injury.  We’ve all been in the situation where we wished we had read the instructions properly first, it usually leads to a better outcome all round!
• Check equipment regularly
  Particularly before use, in order to discover any faults such as wear and tear, exposed electric cables, broken pieces etc.  If you discover faults with workplace items, make sure you report the fault and don’t use the equipment.  Both employers and employees have duties of care with respect to dealing with faulty equipment.
• Use the correct tool for the job
  Using the wrong or inappropriate equipment for a task will make having an accident or injury more likely.  Investing in the correct equipment could save you being injured in the longer term, and will probably make the task easier too!
• Dress appropriately for the task
  Many things that we do require specialist clothing to be worn.  From wearing oven gloves when removing food from the cooker to wearing harnesses for work high above ground.  Personal Protective Equipment is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from your surroundings.
• Keep the area clean and tidy
  Keeping your work, home or leisure environment tidy can help you avoid accidents caused by colliding, falling, tripping and slipping.
• Know your limitations
  If in doubt then it's probably better to seek help or advice, rather than pressing on with fingers crossed!  Whether it’s something as simple as lifting something too heavy or undertaking a DIY job that quickly gets out of hand, chances are getting help would be the best option.
• Plan ahead and allow plenty of time
  This will help you to anticipate any problems that will arise and deal with them safely.  Take your time!  You're more likely to see an accident in the making or avoid one if you don’t rush.
• Be sensible
  Avoiding accidents and injuries is not just about a checklist of dos and don’ts.  If you act sensibly and appropriately to the situation then the risk of having an accident will be reduced.
• Remember
  Being safety conscious is more than just looking after yourself.  It’s also about making sure your actions don’t hurt other people, especially your loved ones.

Related external links

RoSPA - www.rospa.com 
St John's Ambulance - www.stjohnwales.co.uk 
Health and Safety Executive - www.hse.gov.uk 
Collaboration of Accident Prevention and Injury Control - www.capic.org.uk (English only)