batch-7-429
en

# Accidents

batch-7-429-dublin-metadata
General Public
content="99XX" scheme="ONS SNAC"
en
LAWS Project - Starter Kit - http://www.laws-project.org.uk
LAWS Project - Starter Kit - http://www.laws-project.org.uk
Tameside MBC - LAWS project - http://laws.tameside.gov.uk
accidents
<h2>Environmental Services</h2><span class="gen">email address here</span><span class="gen">phone number here</span><span class="gen">sms phone number here</span><span class="gen">fax number here</span><span class="gen">minicom number here</span><p><i>Accidents are a major cause of injury, disability and death, particularly among young children and older people. In England, accidents are responsible for 10,000 deaths a year. Accidents have a significant impact on society both emotionally and financially. The following factors have been proven to have an affect on accident rates:</i></p><hr/><h3>Age</h3><ul> <li title="*">Gender - statistically males have more accidents than females.</li> <li title="*">Environmental hazards - such as poorly maintained housing</li> <li title="*">Social deprivation - such as homelessness and poor health</li> <li title="*">Physical and mental health - depression and stress can increase the risk of accidents</li> <li title="*">Alcohol and Drugs - is a factor in 20% - 30% of all accidents</li> <li title="*">Seasonal variations</li> <li title="*">Human behaviour - an individual's attitude toward risk and safety is a major contributor of accident rates.</li> </ul><h3>Accidents and Older People</h3><p>Older people are at particular risk of death and disability from falls on stairs or steps. Over 3,000 people over the age of 65 years are killed annually in falls.</p><p>As a part of their 'Avoiding slips, trips and broken hips' campaign, the Department of Trade and Industry issued the following guidelines to reduce the risks of falls.</p><p>These simple steps can prevent pain and injury caused by falls.</p><ul> <li title="*">Keep physically active.</li> <li title="*">Weak muscles and poor balance can cause someone to fall. Regular exercise such as brisk walking or light gardening can improve these conditions.</li> <li title="*">Take fewer risks in your routine.</li> <li title="*">When getting out of bed or up from a chair, take your time. It is a good idea to do it in slow stages, so as not to become light-headed.</li> <li title="*">Be aware of changes in your health.</li> <li title="*">Have regular eye tests and foot care. If you are taking more than four medications, ask your GP to review them on a regular basis. Let a friend or neighbour know if you are feeling unwell.</li> <li title="*">Eat a balanced and healthy diet.</li> <li title="*">Ensure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong and reduce the risk of fracture. Choose low-fat versions of calcium rich foods, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.</li> <li title="*">Avoid wearing loose-fitting or open-backed shoes and shoes with heels that may cause you to slip or trip.</li> <li title="*">Take precautions in the home</li> <li title="*">Simple modifications in your home can help reduce accidents.</li> </ul><h3>Ten Top Tips for Safety on the Stairs</h3><ul> <li title="*">Light up your stairs</li> <li title="*">Take care when carrying things up and down stairs</li> <li title="*">Take care when cleaning</li> <li title="*">Keep stairs and landings free of clutter</li> <li title="*">See your stairs, wear glasses if necessary.</li> <li title="*">Consider your carpet</li> <li title="*">More haste - less speed</li> <li title="*">Stay steady</li> <li title="*">Hold the handrail</li> <li title="*">Keep using the stairs. Exercise helps to maintain muscle strength, balance and co-ordination.</li> </ul><h3>If you do fall</h3><ul> <li title="*">Try not to panic!</li> <li title="*">If you feel pain, try to attract attention before moving.</li> <li title="*">If you can not get help, try getting to a chair and sit on it before standing.</li> <li title="*">If you can not get up, try to keep warm by covering yourself with something nearby. Tense your leg regularly to produce heat.</li> <li title="*">Try to contact a neighbour or relative by banging on a wall or by phoning if possible.</li> <li title="*">Inform your GP after a fall.</li> </ul><span class="gen">email address here</span><span class="gen">phone number here</span><span class="gen">sms phone number here</span><span class="gen">fax number here</span><span class="gen">minicom number here</span><span class="gen">postal address here</span><h3> <a href="/ccm/services/pid.jsp?pid=429"> Applications for services (429) </a></h3>