No parental instinct is as intense and fundamental as protecting one's child from harm. For parents of children with autism, safety risks become magnified because of challenges resulting from fixations with narrow interests, limited situational awareness, and sensory and communication issues. So why should parents expect to do it all alone? We…

Identifies shoulder exercises commonly performed in fitness centers that may contribute to or exacerbate glenohumeral joint (shoulder) injury, describing alternative exercises that may be substituted and a offering rationale for the variations. The article focuses on anterior and posterior glenohumeral instability, subacromial impingement (primary…

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)

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)

General guidelines for running a safe tennis program include establishing an appropriate camper/teacher ratio, having clear expectations of a drill or activity, not allowing campers to jump the net, clearing the court of all balls during running drills, and suspending activity during inclement weather. Includes specific guidelines for practicing…

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)

The booklet is intended to answer employers' common questions regarding safety of disabled workers during emergencies. The importance of prevention is stressed, and the value of good safety habits in decreasing potential danger considered. Adequate and coordinated planning are seen as critical. Evacuation assistance for the physically handicapped,…

An effective school playground safety program should emphasize preventive measures such as selecting high-quality equipment, providing close activity supervision, and scheduling frequent ground and equipment maintenance. This article provides program planners with practical suggestions for initial thinking about objectives; staff involvement; and…

Safely driving a play vehicle requires many skills. This article offers several suggestions to parents on teaching preschoolers how to operate play vehicles safely and on pedestrian safety in general. A list of teaching aids for play vehicle safety, appropriate for parents and teachers, is included. (IAH)

Outlines the reasons for a need to know more about water and swimming pool dangers with regards to young children and how to make these water areas more safe. (BB)

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons launched a national public education campaign focusing on the problem of injuries related to playground equipment. The article presents several of its recommendations for playground safety and provides instructions for obtaining a free brochure. (SM)