Injury Prevention

Supporting Information

Children between 18 months and four years old are at high risk of death and serious injuries. Most of these injuries happen in the home. Almost all can be prevented.

The main causes of injuries in the home:

• burns from fires, stoves, ovens, cooking pots, hot foods, boiling water, steam, hot fats, paraffin lamps, irons and electrical appliances
• cuts from broken glass, knives, scissors or axes
• falls from cots, windows, tables and stairs
• choking on small objects such as coins, buttons or nuts
• poisoning from paraffin (kerosene), insecticide, bleach and detergents
• electrical shock from touching broken electrical appliances or wires, or poking sticks or knives into electric outlets.

Anything that may be dangerous for active young children should be stored safely away, out of their reach.

Children should never be expected to work long hours or to do work that is hazardous or interferes with schooling. Children must be protected from heavy labour, dangerous tools and exposure to poisonous chemicals.