Advice to parents from Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group (HAPG) to correspond with Child Safety Week

Accidental injuries are the most common cause of death in children with around 700 children in England and Wales dying every year.

There are 120,000 admissions to hospital and two million attendance's at accident and emergency departments following accidental injuries each year for children under 15 in the UK.

So although by definition we might see childhood accidents as chance happenings there are in fact specific age groups and situations where we know our children face increased risks and can take sensible steps to minimise them.

For children under five, most accidents happen at home, while for children aged five to 14 transport accidents are the most common fatal accidents. Around 60 per cent of fatal pedestrian road accidents involve this age group. Instil the Green Cross Code and teach by example from an early age and insist on safety helmets and road safety training for your children before they take their bikes on the road. Be aware of your child's whereabouts at all times and remember that a small child can move very unexpectedly when his or her attention is grabbed.

Falls are the most common accidents in the 0-5 age group. Cut down the risks by installing child resistant and secure window catches and safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Railings on balconies and banisters should not be wide enough for a child to crawl through or low enough to climb over easily. HAPG supports the award- winning Borehamwood & Elstree scheme for Safety Equipment (BESSE) which lends safety equipment to low income families with children under five.

Check that your garden is child proof. Choose well designed equipment from a reputable supplier and keep it well maintained. Remember, ropes may rot and weaken and nuts may rust or loosen. Swings should not be near trees, bushes, glass and walls, and children should be told to keep well back while their friends are swinging.

Many common garden plants can cause health problems if eaten or touched. For example: bluebells, foxglove, green potatoes, ivy, lily of the valley, lupin, mistletoe and raw rhubarb to name just a few and don’t forget toadstools! If you suspect your child’s illness is due to a plant, take a sample with you when you consult your GP or Accident & Emergency department for advice.

Lock paint, turps and slug pellets well away from children and never decant chemicals into drink bottles. A toddler can drown in a puddle or paddling pool in three inches of water. Always supervise children, particularly near water. Lock gates and keep fences in good repair and do not let small children set up or fold deckchairs.

Minimise the chance of burns or scalds with fireguards, coiled kettle flexes and thermostat control of tap water and remember, a smoke alarm in your home doesn’t cost much but could be a life saver.

One in 15 children (two in a class of 30) can expect to be in a road accident before their 16th birthday. Wearing properly tested seat belts and restraints saves lives and cuts down the risk of serious injury. Always set a good example by wearing your own seat belt and ensure that baby seats are of the required standard and properly fitted. Parents be encouraged to play a major role in safety awareness and don’t expect school teachers to take all the responsibility for your children.

Older children can dare their younger friends to act dangerously, and films and television play their part in some accidents. HAPG are putting together a Mr Copycat information pack warning children of being influenced in this way.

Accidents will happen and it’s not always easy for parents to find the right balance between sensible precautions and over protection. If you would like more information contact your District Council as many have a Home Safety Advisor

Note for editors:
The Herts Accident Prevention Group (HAPG) includes representatives of Hertfordshire Health Promotion, Hertfordshire County Council, all Hertfordshire District Borough Councils, West and East & North Hertfordshire Health Authorities, NHS Hospital Trusts and the University of Hertfordshire and is convened to support accident prevention through education, training and publicity.