Each year around 460 children in this country die as the result of an accident but, although this figure is still far too high, the good news is that child deaths from accidental injuries have begun to drop, due in part to new safety legislation and improved standards. However, around two million children a year still arrive at accident and emergency departments with accidental injuries of all kinds.
SAFETY
If you are currently setting up a new daycare facility or are planning to carry out a full hazard assessment you should find Safety in Day Care and Play Settings a very handy publication. This comprehensive guide from the Child Accident Prevention Trust (6) covers advice on drawing up a safety plan, guidance on how to conduct a risk assessment of your building (including getting down on your hands and knees so that you get a child's eye view) and information on safety equipment. Other topics include training and education for workers, teaching the children how to keep themselves safe and dealing with minor and more serious injuries. The CAPT publishes a wide range of leaflets covering all aspects of safety and aimed at both professional carers and parents (see box, opposite top right.) A full publications list is available.
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