North Carolina, with a large number of major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and 320 miles of ocean shoreline, has a comparatively high drowning rate. A study was conducted to examine drowning deaths that occurred in North Carolina between 1980 and 1984. Data were obtained from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Data from Drowning Abstract…

The incidence and causes of children's accidents in the home are briefly described. Data on the most common types and locations of such accidents are provided in tables. Characteristics of children and the home environment that contribute to accidents are briefly discussed. In conclusion, problems associated with accident prevention strategies,…

The author presents three court case studies and questions related to the cases, so that aquatic facility owners can test their liability perception. Recommendations are made in seven areas as defenses against aquatic liability. (JMK)

The article discusses the relationship between mental health and labor accidents as it pertains to accident prevention, treatment of accident victims, and their rehabilitation. It also comments briefly on mental health and occupational diseases and the scope of the field of occupational mental health from a Chilean perspective. (AG)

The Accident Frequency-Severity Chart (AFSC) is a tool for correctly assessing and appropriately coping with risks inherent in adventure programs. The AFSC helps to measure risk frequency (likelihood of loss) and severity (amount of loss) of specific outdoor activities. The AFSC can also be used to compare safety records of outdoor activities and…

Analyzes the actions taken by an instructor when a student fell while climbing a gill (a gorge cut into the mountainside by a fast-flowing stream). Stresses the importance of instructors making quick decisions and remaining calm during a potentially dangerous situation. Suggests using a hand line in the future to alert students of risk involved.…

Reviews the literature on firearms accidents among young, poor, urban children. Evidence suggests that deciding to keep a gun for protection is a practical response to perceived living conditions. Reducing the consequences of risky gun behavior among poor families requires policies and programs that eliminate experiences associated with such…

This study reports on a 9-year-old boy previously diagnosed with Angelman syndrome who died unexpectedly by drowning in a shallow backyard wading pool. The case illustrates the fascination with water by individuals with Angelman syndrome and highlights that this fascination may lead to death. The need for supervision is stressed. (Contains 5…

In the U.S. there has been an increase in the number of outdoor recreationists requiring rescue. While it might seem logical that this trend results from the increasing numbers of outdoor enthusiasts, other factors contribute. Mass media give wide exposure to outdoor activities and use outdoor recreation to market many products and services. Such…

This manual contains tips on preventing childhood accidents and instructions for handling those accidents which do occur. Part One outlines ways of preventing accidents involving the home, infant equipment, toys, school, cars, bicycles, playgrounds, sports, hiking, camping, and water; it also provides blank forms for a family's emergency medical…

This booklet outlines principles of hazard control, school accident problems, and the need for guidelines and policies. Suggested general school safety policies, guidelines for courses in safety education and for the provision of facilities and supplies, policies for the administration of first aid and emergency care, and procedures for reporting…

Stresses the importance of safety in school laboratories. Describes a state program to inspect chemistry laboratories in order to correct unsafe conditions in them. Advocates safety courses for teachers in their training. (GA)

The Wilderness Risk Managers Committee (WRMC), a consortium of outdoor schools and organizations, works toward better understanding and management of risks in the wilderness. Among other activities, the WRMC gathers data on incidents and accidents from member organizations and other wilderness-based programs. This book compiles incident data for…

A number of cases are presented where children were injured or killed in connection with school or other educational situations. More emphasis should be placed on safety education not only to reduce suffering and pain but also to reduce financial demands on schools from court litigation. (CJ)