Accidents are a major cause of injury, disability and death, particularly among the young and elderly.

There is no doubt that accidents have a significant impact on society both emotionally and financially. Indeed it has been estimated that the cost to the Country from work related accidents and ill health alone is approximately £15 billion. For more detailed statistics relating to the cost of accidents see fact sheet number 1 in this series.

Studies have shown that the following factors affect accident rates. These do not operate in isolation, but may combine to increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.

Age

Although accidents affect all age groups, statistics show that they are the most common cause of death in children and adults under 30 whilst the death rate from accidents in the over 65's is considerably greater than in any other age group.

Environmental Hazards

A poor environment can contribute to the risk of accidents, for example high rise flats with balconies, poorly maintained housing, busy roads and unsafe workplaces.

Social Deprivation

Some specific factors associated with low income, such as poor health, homelessness, poorly maintained housing and overcrowding do increase accident rates.

Gender

There is a difference in accident rates for males and females overall, statistically males have more accidents than females.

Seasonal Variations

Accident rates vary at different times of the year.

Physical and Mental Health

Ill health, depression and stress are all known to increase the risk of or contribute to accident rates.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol is a contributory factor in 20% to 30% of all accidents as it slows reactions and impairs judgement.

Human Behaviour

It is now accepted that the majority of accidents are in some measure attributable to human as well as technical factors (such as unguarded machinery) and that the management of human factors is increasingly recognised as having a vital role in the control of risk.

By improving our understanding of human behaviour and attitudes we can seek to improve attitudes towards safety.

People's perception and their risk taking behaviour are contributory factors to causing accidents and their outcomes.

Despite much education, advice, evidence and research being available and widely known and understood: as in many other health situations individuals are unrealistically optimistic about risks they take and what may happen as a consequence.

What can HAPG do to reduce accidents

The Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group intends to raise awareness of the common factors that contribute towards accidents in various settings and encourage and facilitate others to develop a safety culture. In its aim to achieve this, much of the above information can be used to target resources in areas where they will be most effective.