Falls and Head Injuries

Facts and Figures

Falls are the most common cause of accidental injury among children and young people in the UK.

Over 390,000 children under age 15 were taken to hospital in 2002 as a result of a fall in the home or garden 60% of these are children under 5.

Each year 100,000 children under 16 are injured through cycling accidents. Over 1,300 are killed or seriously injured. 70% of all cycling fatalities are due to head injuries.

General Tips and Advice

Prevent Falls from Windows

Fit window locks and safety catches
Move furniture away from the windows to prevent children from climbing and falling out.
Use safety glass (complying with BS 6206) in low glass doors and windows or cover the panes with safety film.

Prevent Falls on the Stairs

Use stairgates at the top and the bottom of the staircase.
Ensure stairs are free from clutter
Supervise young children at all times when walking up or down stairs.
Teach children from an early age how to use stairs safely.
Ensure children walk and don't run up and down stairs.
Do not allow children to play on the stairs
Ensure stairs/steps are well lit.
Hold onto the bannister rail when carrying babies on stairs and encourage young children to do so.

General Safety Tips for around the home

Ensure floors are clear of clutter and toys, especially when children are first learning to walk.
Avoid highly polished floors
Use rug grips to avoid slipping.
Use soft corner covers on sharp edges such as tables, shelves etc.
Do not use babywalkers.
Use harnesses in high chairs and pushchairs
Use cot/bed sides
Ensure a toddlers cot is free from larger toys to prevent them from climbing and falling out.
Don't leave babies unattended on raised surfaces.

Garden

Teach children not to climb on roofs or sheds etc.
Ensure play equipment in the garden is over a soft surface such as grass or bark as opposed to concrete.
Ensure paving stones are level.
Encourage children not to climb trees, pruning lower branches can help to discourage this.

Cycle Helmets

" The standard approved cycle helmets are proven to be effective in reducing head injuries in cycle related accidents by 85%" - HEADWAY

Encourage children to wear cycle helmets at all times when cycling. It is important to ensure it is securely fitted, there should be adjustable straps or sections. It should sit snug on the head. Ensure the helmet does not obscure the child's view.
Younger children (under 8 years old) should be supervised when cycling.
Children aged 8+ are more confident, however, it is essential that the skill of cycling is learnt properly. The national Cycling Proficiency Scheme, developed by ROSPA is one of many cycle training schemes that offer advice on basic cycling skills and an awareness of road safety.
REMEMBER - In a typical accident, the cyclist is catapulted to the ground and is in danger of suffering a severe head injury. A cycle helmet can soften the impact of a head injury and force of the blow and even save a child's life.

First Aid

If your child has been knocked unconscious from a fall:

dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance.
let the ambulance service know if your child is now conscious or unconscious - they will advise you on what to do while you are waiting.
If your child becomes conscious, tell him or her to keep as still as possible.

Click here to read a story about the dangers of Falls and Head Injuries

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