Important Reminders in the Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury
In our business we regularly see the results of what can happen when safety is compromised. We strive to encourage greater awareness and appreciation for the benefits of knowing and following the basic rules of safety. The information presented below should be familiar to most people, and is provided here as a reminder to take a common sense approach to living safely and keeping your loved ones safe.
Safety Basics for Drivers:
- Set a safe example for your children by always wearing a safety shoulder and lap seat belt.
- Use car seats or boosters which are CSA approved and appropriate
for the size and age of the child:
- Infants under 20 pounds must be in an infant seat facing the rear of the vehicle.
- Infants and children under 40 pounds must use a child seat.
- Children weighing 40 - 80 pounds require a booster safety seat.
- A shoulder and lap belt alone are not appropriate for anyone under 80 pounds.
- Always decline alcohol when you know you will be driving
- Always decline rides from anyone who you know or suspect has been drinking alcohol.
- Speed does kill. Obey posted speed limits.
- Watch for pedestrians at all times.
- Make eye contact with pedestrians to ensure that they have seen you.
- Drive slowly near pedestrians and give them the right of way.
- Elderly drivers should be encouraged to reduce the amount that they drive, and should not drive in poor weather or at night. Offer to drive them when possible.
- It is difficult to judge ourselves and acknowledge when we are no longer able to drive safely. When it is apparent that an elderly driver should hand in his/her license, consider discussing the matter with the driver and his/her family doctor. It is better to stop driving 5 years too early than a second too late.
Safety Basics for Pedestrians:
- Use sidewalks whenever possible.
- If a sidewalk is not available, walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Cross only at intersections and crosswalks.
- Never cross the street between parked cars.
- Check for traffic by looking left, right and left again before crossing a street.
- Walk only where you are visible to drivers.
- Always wear reflective clothing at night.
- Never assume that drivers can see you or know what you are planning to do.
Safety Basics for Cyclists:
- Children should be old enough (age 7 or 8) to fully understand how to ride safely before they are taught to ride a bicycle.
- Be predictable so drivers will know your intentions, but never assume that they know what you are planning to do.
- Be visible. Wear brightly coloured clothing so drivers can see you, and NEVER ride a bicycle at night.
- A child should be able to straddle a bike with both feet on the ground. Be sure that the bike is the proper size.
- A child's hands should be sufficiently large strong to use the levers of a hand brake. Until then, children should only use bikes equipped with back pedal, or coaster brakes.
- A child must always wear a properly fitted helmet when cycling even short distances.
- The helmet should be worn low over the forehead just above the eyebrows. It should sit flat on the head, centered above the ears. Ensure that the helmet stays firmly in place by tightening the chinstrap and adjusting the padding.
- Children should never ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or motorcycles, even with a helmet.
- Children should learn about and obey all traffic signals and signage.
- Practice what you teach to be a good role model for children - Always wear a protective helmet, and obey the rules of the road.
- Be predictable so drivers will know your intentions, but never assume that they know what you are planning to do.
- Be sure the bike has reflectors.
- Never ride into a street without stopping first.
- Ride on the same side of the road as the cars.
- Ride defensively. Watch out for cars.
Safety Basics for Skiers and Snowboarders:
- Get fit. You will have more control and enjoy skiing more if you are physically fit.
- Always wear a properly adjusted helmet.
- Wear proper equipment and have your bindings adjusted correctly.
- Keep sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more safe and fun when you can see.
- Take lessons. The quickest way to become a good skier or snowboarder and prevent injury is to take lessons from a qualified instructor.
- Begin each run slowly and be aware of the snow conditions. Firmer snow makes skiing hard and fast.
- Keep aware of skiers and snowboarders above and below you. Keeping injury free requires a mental and physical presence.
- If you accidentally end up on a run that exceeds your ability, side step to a safer area.
- If you're tired, stop.
- Follow the seven safety rules of the slopes:
-
- Always stay in control.
- People ahead of you have the right of way.
- Stop in a safe place for you and others.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
- Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
- Know how to use the lifts safely.
Safety Basics for Swimmers:
- Never leave children unattended near bodies of water.
- Teach children to swim at an early age.
- Always ensure that children wear approved life jackets or personal floatation devices (PFD's) when on boats.
- Never allow children to run, push, or jump on others near water.
- Swim only in areas supervised by a trained and certified lifeguard.
- Never dive in unknown or shallow water.
- Obey rules and posted signs at pools and beaches.
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Know how to use rescue equipment and where emergency phone numbers are located.
Safety Basics for Parents:
- Make sure that your child's play area is safe.
- Supervise all children, regardless of their ages.
- Teach your child to look both ways before crossing a street.
- Stress the importance of using crosswalks.
- Never leave children under the supervision of an aggressive sibling.
- Playground surfaces should be made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood, mulch, or sand.
- Wear a helmet and make sure your children wear helmets during
activities where head injuries can occur, including:
- bike riding
- using scooters
- playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing
- using in-line skates or riding a skateboard
- batting and running bases in baseball or softball
- riding a horse
- Skiing or snowboarding.
- Children will be more likely to wear helmets if you let them choose a cool looking helmet that meets safety standards.
- Never leave an infant unattended on a bed, sofa, changing table, or an exam table in the doctor's office.
- The side rails of a crib should always be raised.
- Lower the crib mattress as soon as infants are able to pull themselves up.
- Avoid bunk beds if at all possible.
- Children under age 6 years should use the lower bunk only; the top bunk should always have a side rail.
- Never allow children to jump on beds.
- Never use a baby walker.
- Never leave a child unattended in a shopping cart.
- Use safety gates at the top of stairways.
- Keep doors leading to the basement or outdoors closed and place latches out of the reach of children.
- Install locks or guards on upstairs windows.
- Use a step stool with a grab bar to reach objects on high shelves.
- Install handrails on stairways.
- Remove hazards such as small area rugs and loose electrical cords.
- Use non-slip mats in the bath and shower.
- Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
Safety Basics for Work:
- Always wear a hard hat when working in areas where there is any risk of objects falling from above.
- Never operate equipment, machinery or vehicles without supervision until you have been fully trained.
- Avoid loose clothing and keep long hair tied back when operating
equipment.
Resources:
http://health.allrefer.com/health/safety-4.html
http://health.allrefer.com/health/head-injury-prevention.html
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_hdtrauma_hhg.htm
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/BlueSafe_Head_Injury_Prevention_72154_7.pdf
We always strive to provide the best possible content and resources.
Your feedback is appreciated.
Your feedback is appreciated.