Injury Prevention

The Canadian Centers on Injury Prevention and Control believe that calling injuries "accidents" leads to a belief that they are unpredictable and unavoidable. But injuries are preventable.

Preventing injuries

What can we do about injuries?

• Reduce the opportunity for injuries to occur through safe playgrounds, education about safe behaviors, supervised physical education and sports activities, young driver education, use of bike paths, training for teens as new employees at work sites etc.
  
• Minimize harm in injury situations by proper use of helmets, seat belts, airbags, sunscreen, community first aid training, accessible and available emergency response, MedicAlert bracelets, knowledge of Universal (Standard) Precautions.

Injuries can also be intentional, as a result of violence and suicide.

We can all reduce injuries by taking responsibility for our safety and the safety of others. Schools can work with students, parents, and other community partners to develop and implement written policies regarding unintentional injury, violence and suicide prevention.

The BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit suggests learning to take safe risks by:

• Using proper safety equipment, such as helmets and seat belts.
• Educating ourselves and children about safety aspects of activities, such as poison prevention and water safety for swimmers.
• Connecting with injury prevention groups in our communities.