Accidents in the Home

Causes of Accidents in the Home

• Lack of supervision (e.g., a child left alone in the bath).
• Curiosity, especially among children.
• Poorly designed homes (e.g., hidden steps, poor lighting).
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment (e.g., exposed wires).
• Unsafe storage of dangerous items (e.g., dishwasher tablets under the sink).
• Carelessness with water or spills (e.g., a wet floor causing someone to slip).

---

Falls

The most common type of accident at home affects all age groups.

Preventing Falls:

• For young children, use stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Secure stair rails for support when walking.
• Never leave babies unattended on beds or changing tables.
• Install proper lighting on stairs.
• Keep stairs free of clutter like toys.
• Ensure carpets are not loose and floors are not slippery.
• Use non-slip mats in baths and showers.

---

Child Safety in the Home

To reduce serious accidents, make the home as safe as possible.

Steps to Prevent Specific Accidents:

Choking and Suffocation:

• Keep plastic bags and small objects out of reach.
• Tie up curtain and blind strings.
• Supervise children while eating.

Scalds:

• Keep hot drinks and pans out of reach.
• Use a kettle with a short cord.
• Turn saucepan handles inward.

Burns:

• Fit fireguards on open fires.
• Keep matches and candles away from children.

Poisoning:

• Store medicines and chemicals in childproof containers.
• Lock cabinets with dangerous items.

Drowning:

• Never leave a child alone in or near water (e.g., baths, pools).