Noting that 90 percent of serious playground injuries result from falls to hard surfaces, this paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various playground surfacing materials in terms of cost, climate, durability, aesthetics, and play value. Findings are based on the personal experience of the author, government documents, laboratory…

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,…

After consideration of the organizing of university safety centers and the growth and role of such centers in the future, descriptions are presented of the activities and practices in each of 16 existing college and university highway traffic and safety centers. Information is presented regarding center objectives, programs, staff composition,…

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…

Safety education messages aimed at young children should be simple and emphasize direct how-to-cross instructions. "Left-right-left" search messages appear to be effective in counteracting common pedestrian errors of children. Included is a list of 28 child pedestrian safety materials, evaluated and selected from 274 submissions, by the…

A survey, based on site visits to 206 randomly selected playgrounds in school systems in 23 states, notes numerous safety problems. The designer of more than 75 playgrounds offers guidelines that improve the safety as well as the physical fitness value of school playgrounds. (MLF)

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…

"MCPS School Safety and Security at a Glance" provides, in a single document, information about the reporting of incidents related to school safety and security, school climate, local school safety program descriptions, and serious incidents in all Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. The information is presented for each school.…