The study described the Home Accident Prevention Inventory which was used to assess hazards in the homes of families under state protective service for child abuse and neglect. Followup showed that the treatment package resulted in decreases in the number of these hazards which were maintained over an extended period. (Author/DB)

Experienced teams competing in multiple adventure activities, several of which involved ropes, kept their harnesses on all day. Safety procedures included an initial check of buckles and harnesses by an instructor, but failed to recognize that participants would remove their harnesses for toilet purposes. Lists other possible safety errors for…

Tips that laboratory researchers and beginning graduate students can use to safeguard against explosion hazard with emphasis on clear illustrations of molecular structure are discussed. Those working with hazardous materials must proceed cautiously and may want to consider alternative and synthetic routes.

Drowning has three major causes: (1) inability to swim and/or lack of a personal flotation device; (2) hypothermia; and (3) abuse of alcohol or drugs. Defenses against drowning include: (1) proper use of personal flotation devices; (2) learning swimming and flotation techniques; (3) understanding reduction of heat loss in cold water; and (4)…

Computer analysis of over 9,000 records of drownings and near-drownings revealed trends in water accidents. Information derived from this on-going Texas study is used as a predictive tool to help prevent drownings. For example, records of blood tests performed on water-related accident victims revealed that alcohol is a frequent culprit.…

Because drowning rates are highest among school-aged children, a drownproofing program was implemented in Hawaiian public schools. The state-supported program, carried out by Sea Trek Hawaii, is conducted at local swimming pools. Content of the 10-hour course focuses on building basic water safety concepts/knowledge and teaching fundamental water…

New prevention programs, rescue techniques, and treatment methods are helping to reduce the number and severity of diving accidents, the fourth leading cause of spinal cord injuries. (JD)

Illustrates how evaluating the Oklahoma City Smoke Alarm Project increased its success in reducing residential fire-related injuries and deaths. The program distributed and tested smoke alarms in residential dwellings and offered educational materials on fire prevention and safety. Evaluation provided sound data on program processes and outcomes,…

Sports-related concussions can happen to any athlete in any sport. Each year in the United States, an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur, most of which can be classified as concussions. To help coaches prevent, recognize, and better manage sports-related concussions, the Centers for…

Liability suits involving accidents in park and recreation areas are expensive and intangible costs are incalculable. Risk management practices related to park planning, personnel, and administrative practices are discussed. (MT)

Indicates that academe must emphasize professional responsibility for chemical health and safety and engender a similar concern in students. Suggests this may be accomplished both by informing students and by helping them make reasoned decisions concerning their exposure to these hazards. (Author/JN)

This series of articles on the sport of soccer considers such topics as: who can play the sport, safety and preventive measures, and tactics and training methods. (JN)

Describes the "Observatoire national de la securite des etablissements scolaires et d'enseignement superieur," a national agency established by the French government in 1995 to ensure safety in schools and colleges. Its annual reports, drawn up in conjunction with experts, are sent out to government, public authorities, and any…

Describes a fatal drowning accident in which unemployed young adults in a long-term outdoor program took out kayaks without permission or appropriate safety gear. Reflects on safety information that the author should have provided in prior canoeing sessions with this group. (SV)

Describes an innovative training program for injury prevention specialists developed by the Indian Health Service (IHS), noting its applicability to other community-based settings. Examines injuries and American Indians; designing the IHS program; IHS training courses; examples of community-based interventions organized by people who had completed…