Playground safety in Australia has evolved from being an issue for parents, teachers, city engineers, and other generalists to an issue for specialists. This paper takes the position that the general community must become involved in playground planning, renovation, and maintenance. After presenting statistics on playground settings and playground…

Defining the nature and extent of risk associated with adventure education, this article notes the riskiest activities and delineates three main causes of accidents: unsafe conditions; unsafe acts; and judgmental errors. Careful program organization, staff selection, routine safety inspections, and emergency plans are also addressed. (SB)

Recounts an incident in an Arizona high school where a student made a miraculous recovery from a near-death incident. Despite negative predictions from the treating physicians, the student leads a normal life again. (MD)

Lists the components of an inservice program on school safety and liability: discussions of current trends, legal terminology, specific cases, tort liability, and a safety survey of the environment and teaching practices. (Author/JM)

The paper presents information pertaining to both equipment and human factors associated with playground safety for the handicapped. Research is reviewed on injuries related to public playground equipment, the equipment/user interface, and accommodation of equipment for all children. Noted among findings are that 72% of all reported injuries were…

Homes in wooded areas or in the wildland/urban interface are at special risk for wildfire. The article provides a checklist of what to keep on hand to make homes safer from wildfire, focusing on vegetation around the home and maintenance of the yard and home. (SM)

Noting that many types of potentially tragic accidents and calamities can be avoided or averted if we take the time to learn how, this book examines the characteristics of several household and outdoor hazards and how to prevent or minimize the possibility of injury, particularly to children. The chapters deal with the following potential hazards:…

Preventing accidents in the first place should be the goal of school transportation directors. To do this, and limit liability, a district must (1) have a strong driver-training program; (2) check drivers' records and references; (3) provide and record maintenance of the bus fleet; and (4) spell out operating and training opportunities in…

According to the National Safety Council, the leading cause of accidental deaths for infants under 1 year old, and the fourth most frequent cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, is choking on things they try to swallow. This paper indicates the dimensions of the problem and lists foods involved in choking deaths of children. Methods of…

Two constantly appearing claims in most playground accident suits are improper supervision and lack of warning to the users. This article discusses legal implications of improper signage, explains use of symbols, and presents general sign guidelines to ensure proper safety measures. (MLH)

Parents can take an active role in preventing children's injuries by educating themselves about playground safety. The article suggests that parents make a playground safety check; be sure the equipment is suitable for the age group in question; supervise appropriately; and know each child's capabilities. (SM)

Discusses the importance of home fire escape drills, detailing fire safety plans. Early detection and warning (smoke detectors) coupled with well-rehearsed escape plans help prevent serious injury. Children need to be taught about fire safety beginning at a very early age. (SM)

This book was compiled for pediatricians and others who are interested in the control of pediatric injuries. The manual's three sections are: (1) "The Field of Pediatric Injury Prevention and Control," which provides a broad overview of the field and highlights the roles of the pediatrician in the control of injuries and a developmental approach…

A reading program was developed as an educational project to benefit Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. Students at each grade level (kindergarten through grade eight) read stories and answer comprehension questions. Pledges are made by parents and friends for each question answered. The stories are about: diseases, accidents,…

Toxic chemicals, noise, inadequate lighting, poor equipment design, smoking, and accidents pose serious health hazards for millions of office workers. Stress and boredom also contribute to the problems of safety. Workers should be on guard in the office for hazards, many of which are recognizable through common sense and patience. Workers must…