Adults have most accidents at home and during leisure time
Adults aged 20–74 have a total of more than 1.5 million accidents leading to physical injury each year. Almost three quarters of these accidents occur at home and during leisure time – significantly fewer accidents occur at the workplace and in traffic. The most common type of accident at home and during leisure time is falling, and the most typical injuries caused by accidents are bruises, contusions, cuts and sprains.
The majority of falls also occur during leisure time, in connection with sports or hobbies or at home and during commuting. Men have more accidents at home and in connection with sports hobbies than women. Falling is also the fourth most common cause of accidental deaths among working-age people aged 25–64 and the most common cause of inpatient care. The most common cause of accidental deaths in this age group is poisoning caused by alcohol, medication, drugs and the mixed use of these.
Working-age people play many roles in preventing accidents
Working-age people often have to examine the prevention of accidents from a broader perspective because of their children or older loved ones. After having children, people’s attitudes and behaviour often become more safety-oriented. Small children in particular often reduce their parent’s risk-taking behaviour and may thus reduce the risk of accidents.
Families with children must take certain things related to safety at home into consideration, and working-age adults may also be responsible for ensuring the safety of their parents’ home, for example with regard to the risk of falling.
In addition to taking care of others, it is also important to take care of your personal coping, functional capacity and health. Versatile physical activity and moving around together with sufficient nutrition, sleep and rest are the cornerstones of good health and, consequently, the prevention of accidents and good work ability.
Sobriety or reducing the use of intoxicants is also important in preventing accidents occurring to working-age people and maintaining good health. When under the influence of intoxicants, young people, middle-aged people and men have the most accidents. Accidents occurring at home and during leisure time can also be prevented by lack of hurry, attentiveness and consideration of safety aspects in all leisure activities.
Occupational safety as a model for safety at home and during leisure time
Significantly fewer accidents occur at workplaces than at home and during leisure time, even though many workplaces have even major safety risks. Especially in the industrial and construction sectors, employees may face significant safety risks at the workplace.
At workplaces, the employer is responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees. Many workplaces have adopted good practices that prevent accidents, such as making and recording safety-related observations. Smaller matters, such as the use of protective equipment and taking care of cleanliness, are also important methods for preventing accidents and are often at a good level at workplaces.
By adopting good safety practices followed at workplaces at home and during leisure time, such as using and maintaining safety equipment, accidents can also be prevented in the home environment and in hobbies.
Types of accidents affecting working-age people
Regular and versatile physical activity plays a key role in preventing falling and slipping. Training should include exercises that improve muscle strength, balance and mobility. Also ensure versatile nutrition and sufficient hydration. Please also ensure that any medication is up to date and discuss the side effects with your doctor. Intoxicants predisposes you to various types of accidents, so you should avoid them.
Select your shoes according to the weather. It is a good idea to use studded shoes or anti-slip devices if the ground is slippery. At home, it is important to ensure that the hallway, any passageways and stairways are unobstructed and adequately illuminated. Anti-slip devices effectively prevent fall accidents, and it is a good idea to put them on the stairs, under carpets, on the bathroom floor and in the tub, for example.
Drowning occurs in all age groups, but children and the elderly are special risk groups in Finland. The majority of drowning deaths among working-age people happen to 45-64-year-olds, most commonly men. The age group of 45–64-year-olds has the highest number of drowning deaths both in total and relatively.
Anticipation and the correct attitude improve safety in water. It is important to assess your functional capacity and swimming skills realistically when in water. Before jumping into the water, check that there are no dangers hiding under the surface. Swim parallel to the shoreline and where your feet can touch the bottom if necessary, and always bring a friend with you. Always wear a well-fitting life jacket when moving in water. It is never a good idea to drink alcohol in water.
When going on ice, remember that it can break even in familiar places. A prerequisite for moving on ice safely is being familiar with the risks associated with ice and moving on ice, and having the correct equipment. The most important is to make sure that the ice is thick, to learn how to identify hazards and to always bring safety equipment, such as awls.
Everyone is responsible for fire safety. Make sure that you have enough smoke detectors installed on each floor of your home and that they work. It is also important to keep the first extinguishing equipment easily accessible and to learn how to use them.
Do not leave the hob or oven unattended or store any flammable material on top of the hob. Always supervise candles and fireplaces. Only use the dishwasher and the washing machine when you are at home. It is also important to follow other electrical equipment’s instructions for use and maintenance instructions. Please do not smoke in bed or on the couch. Intoxicants predisposes you to various types of accidents, so you should avoid them.
Injuries caused by physical activity can often be avoided by anticipation and being aware of the risks of the sport in question. Ensure correct technique and increase the intensity moderately. By improving your muscle strength and mobility, many accidents can be prevented, but it is also important to use proper equipment and protective equipment (such as a helmet and safety glasses) when exercising. It is also important to allow previous injuries to heal in peace before exercising again and to avoid physical activity when ill or under the influence of intoxicants.
Intoxicants predispose you to many types of accidents. For this reason, you should avoid or at least reduce binge drinking and lower your total alcohol consumption. Do not use any intoxicants when moving in water or in traffic. If you are concerned about the substance abuse of a loved one, bring the matter up in a safe space and in a neutral manner. You can start the discussion by talking about your own observations, for instance.
In order to prevent poisoning, it is important to identify the risks of poisoning and to store any toxic substances, chemicals and medicines in their original packaging. Only pick and eat outdoor plants and mushrooms that you can confidently identify. In the event of poisoning, it is important to remain calm, determine the substance causing the symptoms and its amount, and how the substance has entered the body.
Intoxicants also predispose you to poisoning, so you should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, for instance. If your friend is intoxicated, look after them and do not leave them alone. Bring up substance abuse and identify risky use. Familiar over-the-counter medications can also cause side effects when taken with alcohol. It is always a good idea to avoid alcohol during medication treatment.
It is a good idea to save the Poison Information Centre’s number on your phone: +358 (0)800 147 111 (free of charge and open around the clock). If the symptoms are life-threatening, call the emergency number 112.
You can reduce the risk of suffocation by focusing on eating, eating small enough pieces at a time and chewing carefully. Identify people at risk of choking and learn the first aid skills related to choking. When someone needs help, you might only have a few seconds to act. Help the suffocating person, do not stay idle.
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Each year, over 300,000 accidents occur in homes. Even small actions can improve home safety and prevent accidents. It is also a good idea to have a first aid kit in every home.
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Most accidents occur at home and during leisure time. Accidents at home and during leisure time cause significantly more sick leave than work-related accidents. Sports injuries are the most common type of accident. (STM, 2013.)
