Information on age groups

avonainen laukku

Babies

Babies’ and small children’s most typical accidents involve falling. Never leave a baby alone on a changing table, couch or anywhere else with a risk of falling. Due to the risk of falling, never place a baby carrier or baby seat anywhere other than on the floor. Use safety harnesses in prams and pushchairsBabies travel safely in a car when they’re in a baby seat on the backseat, facing the back of the car, with safety belts fastened.  Dangerous objects and toxic or hot substances need to be stored out of the reach of children. Babies’ toys should be intact and intended for children under one year, and they should not have small detachable parts. Pay attention to the baby’s safety during all care and when feeding the baby, putting the baby to bed and traveling with the baby in a pram or car.  It is safest to put the baby to sleep in a cot. Always look after the baby when they’re awake or sleeping outside.  

Safety checklist for children under 1 year

Children

Children’s most typical accidents involve falling. An important part of accident prevention is learning a positive attitude towards safety. This starts early in life, and children learn by imitating adults. Adults must look after children and teach them new skills safely and age-appropriately. Dangerous objects, such as sharp objects and fire-making supplies, and toxic detergents and medications must be stored out of the reach of children. At home, it may be useful to descend to the child’s level and see if there are elements that may fascinate the child and be within their reach. Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death among small children. Always empty water containers and bathtubs after use, and supervise children’s play. Children travel safely in a car when they are in a safety seat appropriate for their size with the seat belt fastened. The age recommendations on children’s toys should be followed. Ensure that the toys are intact and clean.   

Safety checklist for children 1-3 years

Safety checklist for children 4-6 years

Young people

Young people often get into accidents during their free time, doing sports and in traffic. Mental and physical wellbeing, as well as safety education, are all important for preventing young people’s accidents. Young people’s accidents are common in sports where speed, falling and contacts are typical. It is essential to wear the necessary protective equipment. Road accidents cause the most accidental deaths among people aged under 25. The reasons behind young people’s traffic accidents include excessive speed, unfastened seat belts and an intoxicated or otherwise risk-taking driver. In the age group of 15–24, the second most common cause of accidental death is poisoning, which is often rooted in intoxicants and self-harming. Finding out the reasons for using intoxicants, identifying potential problems early, and offering guidance and support are essential for preventing the poisonings of young people. Young people need safety education provided at both home and school: knowledge of the consequences of taking risks and getting into accidents.   

Working-age people

Poisonings caused by alcohol, medication, drugs and mixed use of these are the primary cause of accidental death among the age group 25–64. Falling is the fourth most common cause of death in this age group. Most fall injuries occur during leisure time, in sports and other activities, at home or during a commute. Adults’ accidents can also be prevented through physical and mental well-being, refraining from consuming intoxicants, avoiding rushing, carefulness, and the use of the safety equipment. Despite the safety risks in many workplaces, the number of occupational accidents is significantly lower than the number of accidents at home and during leisure time. At home, most accidents have occurred during cooking, the second most during maintenance, repairs and construction outdoors, and the third most during heating, maintenance and repairs indoors. Adults’ accidents at home and during leisure time can be better prevented by following the same safety measures both at home and in the workplace.

UKK Institute’s Health Promotion Material in English

Older people

Falling is the most typical type of accident among older people. Older women tend to have falling accidents more often than men, but men are more likely to die of the injuries caused by falling. Often, the effects of accidents are more severe for older people than for younger people. An accident may make it more difficult for older people to manage living by themselves, for example. An older person’s risk of falling and the general safety of their home should be assessed: is moving about at home safe, and are items in order and easily accessible when needed? Accident risk can be significantly reduced through alertness during everyday life and even small changes that improve safety. The changes to an older person’s home should be made in co-operation with the resident, whenever possible. There are various home safety devices available for older people, such as safety stoves, support rails and mobility aids. The risk of accidents can also be reduced by taking care of your health and ability to function, which are built on regular and diverse exercise and nutrition, suitable medication and maintaining a positive mood.  

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