Major accidents & their prevention in rural & urban areas
According to a WHO report, accidents cause over 3.5 million deaths annually, which is more than any other single cause of death. Accidents can occur in a variety of environments, but the home is the most common location. Home accidents are a major cause of injury and economic costs. In India, the leading causes of accidental death are road accidents (34.5%), poisoning (7.9%), and fire-related accidents (6.6%). Prevention strategies include implementing integrated road safety policies, forming independent road safety agencies, improving trauma care, and promoting safety awareness among policymakers and the public. Common sense measures like securing cleaning products, removing obstacles, and monitoring flames can help prevent many home accidents.
Major accidents & their prevention in rural & urban areas
- 1. Prevention of Major Accidents in Rural & Urban Areas. DoneBy, CharmiDoshi IX A Rollno: 9
- 2. INTRODUCTION According to a WHO report, the number of deaths caused by accidents was estimated to be 3.5 million annually. The figure corresponds to an average of 10,000 deaths per day. Intentional and unintentional accidents are the cause of 15% of years of life lost globally which is greater than any other cause of death. Each year, tens of thousands of accidents occur worldwide. Accidents can take place in a wide variety of environments and every sphere of human life. However, the home is the most likely location. Home accidents are a major cause of death and injury. They produce major costs in terms of loss of life, pain & suffering as well as loss of production & wages for the employed & injured.
- 3. Some Major accidents causing death in rural & urban areas RoadAccidents Burns & fire related injuries Poisons Drowning Falls & Domestic Injuries Violence Suicide
- 4. Accidental deaths- Indian scenario The following facts have emerged on percentage share of various causes of accidental deaths during 2008: Railroad & other railway accidents- 7.6% Poisoning- 7.9% Fire related accidents- 6.6% Natural causes- 7% Falls- 3.1% Electrocution- 2.4% Road accidents- 34.5%
- 5. Prevention and protection against Road accidents: An integrated road safety policy need to be drafted with well defined objectives vision, mission & objectives for both rural & urban transportation needs. Independent road safety agencies must be formed & empowered to implement & monitor road safety measures and activities. Laws pertaining to helmets, drink drive, speed measures, road & vehicle measures, improving visibility, improve trauma care incase of accidents, mass transportation system such as metro, rail, etc., needs to be implemented all over the country. Awareness & education on road safety literacy should be promoted among policy makers, transport safety professionals, health & police officials of both rural and urban areas.
- 6. Preventing accidents at home The vast majority if accidents happen in the home. Using common sense while cleaning organizing your home can help to prevent many of these accidents. Keep cleaning products in a secure area away from heat and flame, & out of reach of children. Remove common obstacles such as loose wires & cables from walkways. Put away children’s toys that are not in use to prevent tripping and falling. Monitor any burning candles or incense. Also, turn off & unplug any appliances not in use to avoid fire hazards.