Safety is freedom from harm or the danger of harm. The word safety also refers to the precautions people take to prevent accidents.
Accidents rank as a leading cause of death throughout the world. In the United States, about 225,000 people die every year as a result of accidents. About 60 million people are seriously injured. In Canada, about 18,000 people die annually as a result of accidents. Accidents also cost billions of dollars annually in medical expenses and lost income.
Experts called safety engineers work in the field of accident prevention. They design structures and equipment to make homes, schools, jobs, highways, and communities safer.
Nevertheless, safety starts with you. Living safely does not mean a dull existence. You can live an active, accident-free life that is full of fun and achievement. But you must be aware of possible hazards and take sensible precautions. Most mishaps can be prevented by following basic safety rules at home, at school, in recreation, on the job, in transportation, and in public places.
Safety at home
Most people consider their home a safe place, but it may be the most dangerous place of all. About half of all accidental injuries occur in the home. Household mishaps rank second only to highway accidents as a cause of accidental death in the United States.
With planning, your home can be safe and comfortable. Nearly all accidents that occur in the home can be prevented by following basic safety rules in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in utility areas, and in the yard. In addition, you must take precautions for safety with electric current and for protection against fire.
In the kitchen.
In many homes, the kitchen is the busiest room—and one of the most dangerous. Climbing and reaching cause many accidents in the kitchen. Never use a chair, table, or pile of boxes as a ladder. Use a real ladder, and have someone hold it for you if possible. Do not lean to the side while on the ladder. Careful storage reduces awkward climbing and reaching. For example, keep heavy objects, such as food mixers and roasting pans, on low shelves, and light items higher up.
To prevent cuts, keep kitchen knives in a knife rack, not loose in a drawer. Store sharp-edged tools in a rack or box. Sweep up broken glass as soon as possible, and never pick up glass splinters with your bare hands. Sweep the splinters into a dustpan and use a damp paper towel to pick up any remaining particles.
Prevent falls by wiping up water, grease, or anything else spilled on the floor. If you use floor wax, buff the waxed surface thoroughly or use a nonskid product to make the floor less slippery.
Be careful not to burn or scald yourself or others while cooking. Turn pot handles toward the back of the range. If a handle sticks out, a child might grab it or a passing adult might knock the pot over.
Many people use an oven cleaner and other potentially dangerous chemicals in the kitchen. These chemicals should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and be kept in a locked cupboard.
In the bathroom.
Falls are one of the worst dangers in the bathroom. To prevent them, use a rubber mat or adhesive-backed vinyl strips called appliques in the bathtub or shower stall. Also, install a sturdy handrail to the wall over the tub. Keep soap in a holder so you can reach it easily and to prevent it from falling underfoot. Use only nonskid bathroom rugs, and wipe up spilled lotions, other liquids, and powders to prevent slipping.
Medicine cabinets contain many dangerous items. For example, ordinary aspirin tablets are a common cause of poisoning among children. Use a medicine cabinet with a lock so that aspirin and other drugs can be kept away from youngsters. Never tell children that medicine tastes like candy. Whenever you take medication, read the label carefully to be certain of the instructions. Never take drugs in the dark or take medicine prescribed for someone else. Throw out old medicines, but not where children might find them. In addition, such cleaning products as bleaches and drain cleaners should be stored in a locked cabinet to keep them away from children.
Dry your hands thoroughly before using a hairdryer or any other electric appliance. Water is a good conductor of electric current, and you could be electrocuted by touching anything electrical while your hands or feet are wet. If you listen to a radio while taking a bath, use a battery-powered model. A plugged-in radio could electrocute you if the radio fell into the water or if you touched it with wet hands.
In utility areas.
Safety in utility areas depends largely on the careful use of such dangerous items as power tools, appliances, and poisonous chemicals. The chemicals, which include cleaning products, paint thinners, and insecticides, should be kept in containers that have a childproof lid or cap. Store all hazardous items in a locked cabinet so that youngsters cannot get at them.
Do-it-yourself projects can be dangerous. Select your tools carefully, handle them with caution, and clean up thoroughly after you finish working. Dress properly when you work with power tools. For example, wear shoes instead of sandals. Tuck in your shirttail, and remove any ring, watch, or other jewelry that might get caught in the tool. Use safety glasses or a dust mask when sanding or grinding. Do not use power tools if you are tired or upset. Never leave a tool plugged in if children are present.
Dispose of an old freezer or refrigerator if it is not being used—or at least remove the door. A child might use the appliance as a hiding place, become trapped inside, and suffocate.
In the yard.
If you use a spade or shovel when gardening, wear heavy work shoes to prevent foot injuries. Use work gloves to protect your hands from cuts and scratches. Learn to recognize poison ivy so you can stay away from it. If you use a fertilizer, pesticide, or weedkiller, avoid breathing the dust or spray and try not to get it on your skin.
When using a lawn mower, keep your feet away from the machine and never pull it toward yourself. The mower could run over your foot and gash it. Before mowing, remove stones, pieces of wire, and other small objects from the lawn. The blades of the mower can hurl such objects like bullets. If you have a power mower, never clean the grass chute while the motor is running.
Keep your lawn and garden tools in a garage or shed. Never leave them lying around where someone might step on them and be hurt.
If you have a swimming pool, guard it with a fence and a locked gate. Make sure the pool is supervised whenever anyone uses it. People who use the pool should know such safety techniques as how to dive properly and how to use lifesaving equipment. Keep the pool drained during periods when it is not used.
Safety with electric products.
Electric tools and appliances are conveniences throughout the home. But they must be used carefully. Careless use of electric products can kill you.
All tools and appliances that you buy should have the seal of approval from Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This nonprofit organization tests electric products and approves only those that meet its standards of safety.
Use electric products carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never operate a power tool in the rain or in a damp area.
Pull the plug before you clean or repair an electric tool or appliance, and before changing the accessories of a power tool. Let a qualified repair service handle complicated repairs.
All electric outlets should be covered if any children in the home could reach them. Special plugs can be installed to cap unused sockets.
Safety from fire.
Most of the deaths and injuries that are caused by fire occur at home. Some simple precautions can help keep your home—and the people in it—safe from fire.
Keep matches and flammable materials away from children. Never allow youngsters to play with fire. Check all electric wiring and replace any that seems worn or defective.
Clear out rubbish, old clothing, and other unused items from the attic, basement, closets, and other storage areas. A fire could easily start there.
Gasoline and other flammable liquids, such as paint and furniture polish, should be stored in tightly covered containers. Keep such items away from the stove, fireplace, and other sources of heat. Put a screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out.
Cigarettes and other smoking materials must be put out completely, using ashtrays. Never allow anyone to smoke in bed.
You can help ensure your family’s safety in case of fire by installing one or more smoke alarms. These devices sound an alarm at the first sign of smoke. Plan an escape route from each room and hold a home fire drill regularly. All exits must be kept clear at all times.
Other precautions
must be taken in every room of your home. One of the most important safety defenses is good housekeeping. Do not leave toys, shoes, and other objects on the floor where someone could trip over them. Tools and household cleaners should never be placed where children can get at them. For the greatest safety, keep everything in its proper place. After you have used an item, put it away immediately.
If you have firearms in your home, keep them unloaded and lock them in a rack or cabinet. Ammunition should be locked in a separate place.
Good lighting is important throughout the home, but it is especially vital in hallways and other heavily traveled areas. Night lights can help promote safety in bedrooms and bathrooms.
The burning of oil, gasoline, and certain other fuels may produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. To guard against carbon monoxide poisoning, never leave an automobile engine running in a closed garage. Fuel-burning stoves, heaters, and other appliances should be used only in well-ventilated areas.
Safety at school
School officials try to make their institution as safe as possible. They conduct safety training programs for students and teachers and hold regular fire drills. State and local laws require schools to provide clearly marked exits, fire escapes, and first-aid equipment.
However, accident prevention remains the responsibility of each student and teacher. Everyone must work together to make a school free of hazards.
In corridors and on stairways,
many accidents occur because students are rushing to get to the next class or to go home. You can lessen the danger of an accident by walking, not running, in corridors. Stay to the right, and do not crowd or shove. Never throw paper or other objects on the floor where someone might slip on them and fall. On stairways, never take two or more steps at a time. Use each step and, if necessary, hold the handrail to steady yourself.
In classrooms,
keep your feet out of the aisles. Do not leave scissors or other pointed tools on chairs or desks where they could injure someone. Do not throw such items as pencils, pens, or paper clips at other students. Thrown objects can cause serious eye injuries. Do not push or crowd when entering or leaving a classroom. Help prevent accidents by reporting broken chairs, desks, and other equipment.
In gymnasiums and on athletic fields.
More accidents occur in sports than in any other school activity. Teachers and coaches want to protect you, and you should follow their instructions and advice. Warm up to loosen your muscles before taking part in any physical activity. Learn how to fall safely. Try not to lose your temper during the rough play and physical contact of sports. Your anger could result in an injury to another player—or to yourself.
Each sport involves different safety precautions. If you play football, be sure to wear proper protective equipment. Baseball players must try to avoid collisions with other players, being hit by a bat or ball, and being spiked while sliding. In basketball, the chief hazards include collisions between players; twisted ankles; and running into walls, seats, or other structures.
In other school areas.
Safety precautions are essential in science laboratories. Each lab should be equipped with one of two types of fire extinguishers—liquefied gas or dry chemical. Such fire extinguishers, unlike those filled with water, can be used on oil, grease, or electric appliances that catch fire. Every laboratory should also have first-aid equipment, a safety shower, and a spray for rinsing the eyes or face. When working on certain projects, students should wear a lab apron and an eye or face shield.
The art room needs good ventilation to remove the dust involved in making ceramics and the toxic vapors produced by silk-screen printing. Ceramics students also should wear dust masks.
The woodshop has many dangerous tools that must be stored carefully so they will not fall and cause injuries. All power saws must have a guard so that the user’s hands cannot touch the blade. Students should wear safety glasses. Floors must be kept as free as possible of sawdust, grease, and scraps or chips of any material.
Safety in recreation
When people are having fun, they may not think about safety. Many are injured or even killed because they did not take precautions during recreational activities. In all such activities, know the limits of your strength and skill and do not try to exceed them. Never take chances. Be considerate of others. Wear the proper clothing for each activity, and use only equipment that is in perfect condition.
In winter sports,
people must protect themselves against the cold in addition to taking the precautions involved with most other sports. A special hazard is a condition called hypothermia, in which the body temperature falls below 95 °F (35 °C). The normal human body temperature is 98.6 °F (37 °C). The symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, stumbling, and drowsiness. If left untreated, the condition may lead to death. Hypothermia can occur even if the temperature is above freezing, especially if a person’s clothing is wet.
To help prevent hypothermia, wear wool clothing. Wool provides better insulation than other fabrics do. Wear loose garments that do not restrict the circulation of the blood. Several layers of light clothing are better than one heavy layer. Cover your head, hands, and feet because they lose heat quickly.
Snowmobiling
is increasingly popular in many northern climates and has led to a large number of accidents. Speeding causes many snowmobile mishaps. Never go faster than the safe speed for your vehicle, and never drive too fast for the snow conditions. A snowmobile should not be operated in less than 4 inches (100 millimeters) of snow. If possible, drive only in daylight. About three-fourths of the fatal snowmobile accidents occur after dark. Be especially careful when crossing roads and watch for such obstacles as tree stumps, fallen logs, and hidden branches.
Skiing
causes thousands of broken bones, sprains, and other injuries every year. To help prevent skiing accidents, use the proper ski equipment, including well-fitted boots, and keep your gear in good shape. If you are a beginner, be sure to get expert instruction. Go on difficult slopes only if you are an experienced skier in good physical condition. Stay with other people when skiing. If you are injured while alone, it may be difficult for someone to find you.
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Sledding.
Examine your sled and repair any broken parts or split wood. Sharp edges should also be eliminated before you go sledding.
Choose your sledding area carefully. Do not sled on streets, where you might slide into the path of an automobile. Steep hills are dangerous because you might go too fast and be unable to stop. Do not go sledding on frozen ponds or lakes if the ice could break under your weight. The ideal spot for sledding is a broad, gently sloping hill that is free of trees and far from any road.
Ice skating.
In the United States, thousands of people a year suffer injuries while ice skating. Skaters may trip on bumps in the ice, collide with other skaters, or fall through thin ice. Beginners need expert instruction, and all skaters should keep their skates in good condition.
In water sports.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. In the United States, several thousand people drown yearly, many while they are swimming or boating.
Swimming.
Never swim alone. You might get a cramp or be injured, and you could drown before anyone realizes you are missing. Swim only in areas protected by lifeguards. If you are a weak swimmer, stay in shallow water and use an inner tube, water wings, or other device to help stay afloat. Do not swim when you are chilled, overheated, or tired. Stay out of the water during thunderstorms and other severe weather. Children must be watched closely when in or near the water.
Never attempt a swimming rescue unless you are a trained lifeguard. Many drowning people struggle and pull their would-be rescuers down with them. However, you might be able to help a swimmer in distress without entering the water. If you are near enough, extend a fishing pole, tree branch, or similar object and pull the swimmer to safety. Keep your body low to avoid being pulled into the water. If the person is too far to reach, throw a life preserver; a large, empty picnic jug; or anything else that will help the swimmer float.
Boating.
The chief causes of boating accidents include speeding, poor judgment, and recklessness. Boaters should know the safety limitations of their craft and never exceed the safe speed or the maximum number of occupants. The U.S. Coast Guard establishes and enforces boating regulations. These rules cover such matters as the use of warning lights and the right of way when boats approach each other. Federal law requires boats to have a Coast Guard-approved life preserver for each person aboard.
Safety on the job
In 1912, about 20,000 workers in the United States lost their lives on the job. Today, with a work force about four times as large, the nation has far fewer job-related accidental deaths—about 4,500 a year. About two-fifths of these deaths occur in motor vehicles. Employers have made great efforts to provide safe workplaces because job safety is good business. The more workers a company can keep safe and healthy, the greater its profits will be.
Each year, despite safety programs, U.S. workers suffer, while at work, about 4 million injuries that require medical attention. Job mishaps result in about 100 million lost workdays and cost the nation about $170 billion a year.
The careful use of tools, including scissors, knives, hammers, and screwdrivers, is important for all employees, regardless of where they work. Use the right tool for the job, and use it correctly. Keep tools in good condition, and store them in a safe place. You should also lift heavy objects properly to avoid sprains and strains. Bend your knees to grasp the object, hold it close to your body, and use your leg muscles rather than your back to lift the load. Safety experts recommend special steps to reduce the number and cost of injuries in manufacturing plants, mines, and offices.
In manufacturing plants,
employers protect their workers with a wide range of safety devices and regulations. For example, most machines have guards over their moving parts. Most plants also have sprinkler systems or other devices to control fire, barriers to prevent falls, and equipment to get rid of dust and fumes. Many workers in plants are required to wear protective equipment, including goggles, ear protectors, safety helmets, fire-resistant clothing, and steel-toed shoes.
Professional safety engineers work to control or eliminate hazards in many manufacturing plants. They perform regular safety inspections and recommend steps to remove any dangers they find. Safety engineers also conduct safety-training classes for employees. In plants that do not have a full-time safety engineer, committees made up of workers and managers perform safety inspections.
Workers in manufacturing plants must share the responsibility for safety. They should inspect their workplace and report any hazards that might cause an accident. Employees also should operate machinery correctly and never smoke in areas where smoking is forbidden.
In mines,
the number of accidental deaths has dropped considerably in the United States since the late 1960’s. However, about 10,000 miners and quarry workers yearly still suffer injuries that require medical attention. The Mine Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the federal government, sets and enforces safety standards for mines. Safety engineers work to educate miners in basic safety rules, including procedures for the use of machinery and explosives.
In offices,
the level of safety is higher than in factories or mines. Nevertheless, office workers must obey basic safety rules. For example, they should walk, not run, on stairways and they must operate machines and other equipment correctly. Fire safety is especially important in high-rise buildings. Many companies hold fire drills to help their employees become familiar with emergency exits and the procedures to follow in case of danger.
Some office staffs receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), an emergency procedure performed on victims of a heart attack. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can keep a person alive until medical help arrives. See Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Safety in transportation
Motor vehicle safety.
Accidents involving motor vehicles are one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. About 45,000 people a year die in motor vehicle accidents, and about 5 million suffer injuries. These accidents cost the nation approximately $500 billion annually. In Canada, about 1,800 people a year die in motor vehicle accidents.
Safety engineers work to improve vehicle construction, highway design, and traffic signs. But each individual motorist has the chief responsibility for safety. Most traffic accidents result from careless driving.
Additional safety concerns involve the use of cellular telephones while driving. Many studies have indicated that distractions associated with telephone use can increase the risk of automobile accidents. Some states have imposed restrictions on the use of wireless telephones by drivers.
You can increase your safety by following common-sense rules. Fasten seat belts—or children’s car seats—to help prevent injuries and save lives. Obey the speed limit. Treat other drivers courteously. Signal when you plan to turn or change lanes, and stay a safe distance from other vehicles. Keep your car in good running condition. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if you are tired or upset.
Driver education is one of the most valuable tools in traffic safety. People who have completed a driver education course have fewer accidents than other motorists do.
Motorcyclists should wear safety helmets and obey the same traffic rules followed by automobile drivers. They also should drive at speeds that are safe for their motorcycles and for road conditions.
Bicycle safety.
Only one person at a time should ride on a bicycle built for a single rider, and stunts should never be attempted while biking. Obey traffic signs and signals. Ride in the same direction as the automobile traffic and never hitch a ride by holding on to a motor vehicle. Always signal before you turn a corner or stop. Equip your bike with reflectors and lights if you ride at night.
Pedestrian safety.
In the United States, motor vehicles kill about 7,400 pedestrians and injure about tens of thousands more each year. Many victims of these accidents are hit while crossing a street in the middle of a block, away from a crosswalk. Large numbers of them had been drinking alcoholic beverages before being struck.
You can help avoid injury or death by crossing streets only at intersections. Obey traffic lights and look both ways before you cross in case an automobile is coming. Walk on the sidewalk rather than in the street.
Children should never play in the street. They also can protect themselves from being hit by stopping and looking in both directions before chasing a ball or anything else into the street.
Safety in public transportation.
People are much safer when using public transportation than when riding in private vehicles. The operators and crews of buses, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles used in public transportation are trained to protect the safety of their passengers. As a result, the accident rate for public vehicles is extremely low. Since the mid-1990’s in the United States, as few as no deaths and as many as 350 accidental deaths occurred each year for passengers on scheduled airlines. About 5 passengers died each year in train accidents. Passengers can help lower the accident rate even further by not distracting the operator of the vehicle with conversation. In addition, passengers should practice common courtesy with those who are riding with them.
Safety in public places
An accident can occur wherever people congregate. However, a few precautions can help keep you safe in theaters, restaurants, and other public places. Always locate the emergency exits as soon as you enter a public building. Select the one you would use in case of a fire or some other disaster. Laws require exits to be well marked and lighted.
Be especially careful in crowds. Never push or shove. Carry an umbrella or any other pointed object in such a way that the object will not injure another person or yourself.
Safety during emergencies
An emergency may result from a natural disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake; or from a collision, fire, or explosion. Such tragedies can strike so suddenly that it is difficult to be prepared for them. However, you can lessen the risks if you know what to do during a flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake.
During a flood.
Leave the flood area as soon as a flood warning is announced. Do not be caught in a low-lying place. Take food and clothing with you.
When you return after the flood, have all electric lights and appliances checked before using them. Boil all drinking water until health officials announce that the water supply is safe. If your automobile was submerged, have a mechanic check it for water in the brakes, power steering, and elsewhere.
During a hurricane.
Keep your radio tuned to a news station after learning that a hurricane warning has been broadcast. Board up your windows or protect them with special storm shutters or tape. If you have a boat, anchor it securely or take it to a safe place. Store drinking water in clean bottles and jugs, and fill the bathtub with water for later use. Make sure your automobile gasoline tank is full because service stations may not be able to operate for several days after a hurricane. But do not store gasoline in cans or other containers in your car or home.
Stay home if the structure is sturdy and on high ground. Otherwise, move quickly to a designated hurricane shelter. Stay home or in the shelter until an all clear has been broadcast. After the storm, avoid loose or dangling electric power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
During a tornado.
If your area lies in the path of an approaching tornado, seek shelter in an underground structure, such as a basement, subway station, or parking garage. Stay out of the upper stories of buildings and away from windows. If you are in a building that has no basement, go to the lowest floor and lie flat, preferably in an interior bathroom or closet. Cover yourself with a rug, blanket, pillows, or other padding for protection against flying glass and rubble.
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If you are inside a building, do not open any windows when a tornado is approaching. Scientists used to advise people to open windows during a tornado to equalize the air pressure between the building and the outside and so prevent the structure from exploding outward. Scientists now know that buildings are not damaged by the sudden pressure change and that the danger from flying glass is much greater if people open the windows.
If you are in a car, try to escape by driving at a right angle to the path of the tornado. If you cannot reach shelter or escape, lie in a ditch or other hollow place.
During an earthquake.
If you are indoors when an earthquake occurs, take cover under a table or desk. Stay away from windows. If you are outside, move away from buildings, where you might be struck by falling bricks and other rubble. If you are in a car, stop immediately but stay in the vehicle.
Working for safety
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals, business and industry, government agencies, and private organizations share the obligation to protect people from needless injury and death.
Individuals
have many safety responsibilities. For example, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on all products. Purchase the proper tool or appliance for the work to be done, and never use a device beyond its limitations. Report any unsafe conditions in the community to the proper officials. Provide safety instructions to children. Drive safely.
Business and industry
have responsibilities for the safety of customers and employees. They have an obligation to manufacture products that are safe to use, and they must give consumers complete instructions that will prevent accidents. Employers also have the duty to provide safe working conditions and safety education programs for employees, and to hold frequent fire drills. In addition, they must furnish safety equipment and have enough exits for use in an emergency.
Government agencies.
Many U.S. government agencies are devoted chiefly to safety. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Transportation Security Administration work to ensure the safety of all types of transportation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration promotes safety in motor vehicles, on highways, and in highway equipment, such as traffic signals. The Consumer Product Safety Commission protects consumers from unsafe household goods. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration works to reduce hazardous job conditions. The United States Fire Administration develops new fire prevention and control techniques. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission works to ensure that nuclear power plants operate safely. Most state, county, and city governments also have departments concerned chiefly or partly with safety and health.
Private organizations
in the field of safety are led by the National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization founded in 1913. The council produces educational materials on accident prevention and promotes safety legislation. The Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, an organization of medical professionals, works to reduce the number of highway injuries and deaths. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, supported by the insurance industry, aims to reduce traffic accidents through research and educational programs. The American Industrial Hygiene Association strives for accident prevention on the job. The American Society of Safety Engineers is the major professional organization for U.S. safety engineers and safety directors.
