Red Weather Warning for Wales and South West England: The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for Wales due to Storm Darragh, with winds expected to reach up to 90 mph, posing significant risks to safety and infrastructure.
Amber Warnings for Scotland and Northern Ireland: Scotland and Northern Ireland are also under amber warnings, anticipating severe weather conditions that could lead to widespread disruption.
Safety Precautions Urged: Authorities are advising residents to secure loose objects, avoid travel, and prepare for power outages to stay safe during the storm.
The Met Office has warned that gusts of up to 90 mph (144 km/h) or more are possible, particularly over the coasts and hills of west and south Wales. The caution is currently in place from 03:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, December 7th.
Additionally, amber warnings have been issued for Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well parts of the South West of England, with many events being cancelled across the UK.
The rare red weather warning has been issued for Wales ahead of Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring extremely strong and damaging winds this weekend.
Here are some important safety tips to help you stay safe:
Secure loose objects: Ensure that any loose items outside your home, such as garden furniture, are secured or brought indoors to prevent them from being blown away.
Avoid travel: If possible, avoid traveling during the peak of the storm. If you must travel, check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off. Many events have now been cancelled
Stay indoors: Stay inside during the storm, especially during the peak hours from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday, December 7th.
Prepare for power cuts: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials such as torches, batteries, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.
Stay away from windows: Keep away from windows and glass doors to avoid injury from flying debris.
Charge your devices: Ensure your mobile phone and other essential devices are fully charged.
Check on vulnerable neighbours: If it is safe to do so, ensure that they are secure and have everything they need. .
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “A red weather warning is highly unusual and should be heeded as it can indicate a risk to life.
“With parts of Wales and the South West set to be battered by the wind between 3am and 11am on Saturday, we strongly advise drivers to postpone their journeys if they can. Anyone who must drive should stick to major roads, reduce their speed significantly, always keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and be on high alert for debris in the road.
“Exposed rural and coastal routes will be particularly treacherous. Drivers in these areas should be wary of any high-sided vehicles as they are at risk of being buffeted off course or, worse still, blown over. We also suggest parking well away from large trees due to the danger of falling branches or whole trees being uprooted.”
For more detailed advice on staying safe during strong winds, you can visit the Met Office’s stay safe in winter driving page and the RoSPA website
A LEADING consumer expert has shared her top tips for avoiding being scammed or having your bank account emptied by cyber criminals when shopping for Christmas on Black Friday this week.
Jane Hawkes warned that consumers have to be on high alert for online scammers who try to cash in on one of the busiest days in the year for retailers.
She said cyber-crooks are bombarding consumers with emails that are designed to trick them into revealing sensitive information like banking and credit card details.
In the past few days, banks, building societies and online retailers have issued warnings as the nation gets ready to spend.
Data released by Action Fraud revealed that there were more than 16,000 reports of online shopping fraud during last year’s festive season.
Many fraudsters rely on text and email messages that appear to be from legitimate businesses but contain links to fake websites that are designed to harvest bank logins and credit card details.
The process is known as phishing and the mobile phone firm Three said it received over 3,500 complaints about fraudsters over the last holiday period.
The cyber security firm Bitdefender estimates that 77% of Black Friday-themed spam emails are scams, while Barclays says the average loss on a shopping scam is £700.
And consumer expert Jane said attackers are becoming more creative: “They are now tailoring their tactics and messaging for greater appeal to different groups of shoppers in specific demographics and regions.
“These are organised cyber criminals sending billions of messages using tactics that include phishing emails, sophisticated malware attacks, and the impersonation of popular brands.
“Beware, for example, of ‘dear customer’ emails and messages warning that a package has been delayed and asking you to click on a link to confirm your details.
“There are even kits that can be bought on the Dark Web that allow criminals to set up very convincing but fake online banking portals, so the stakes can be very high.”
Her advice to shoppers is:
Do your research with due diligence- the devil is in the detail, make sure you check it. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Trust your gut feeling.
Check reviews before purchase – watch out for any which are overly complimentary and with similar wording. This could be a sign of a scam outfit as opposed to a genuine endorsement.
Be wary of any red flags – super cheap pricing, urgency to make time pressured decisions, unknown companies, lack of contact details on websites and websites which don’t function correctly, misspelling of website urls or item descriptions.
Pay for purchases via credit card for maximum consumer protection.
Set up alerts with banks and providers so you are alerted if there is any activity on your account or your card is being used.
Have different passwords for your online accounts. Once a scammer works out a password they can easily try it on all of your accounts.
55% of Accidental Deaths Happen at Home: Black Friday Warning to Avoid Unsafe Products
With 55% of accidental deaths occurring in the home, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging shoppers to prioritise safety this Black Friday. Unsafe products, counterfeit goods, and poor-quality items can turn your home into a danger zone.
Adding to the concern, threats to breathing—such as choking and suffocation—have increased by 17% in the last decade, highlighting the critical importance of buying safe, reliable products, especially for children and vulnerable family members.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said:“Your home should be a safe place, not a hazard. Unsafe products bought during sales can lead to serious risks like choking, fire, or poisoning.
“This Black Friday, prioritise safety over savings to ensure you protect your loved ones and create a safer environment at home.”
RoSPA’s Top Tips for Staying Safe While Shopping Online
To help shoppers avoid dangerous deals and make informed choices, RoSPA provides the following guidance:
Prioritise Safety Over Savings While discounts may tempt you, ensure products meet UK safety standards. Research thoroughly, particularly when buying toys, electronics, and household items.
Be Wary of Counterfeit Goods and Check for Safety Markings Counterfeit products often fail to meet safety regulations. Always purchase from trusted retailers and ensure that toys, electronics, and other high-risk items display the CE or UKCA mark.
Stay Informed About Product Recalls Check the UK Government’s product recall website before buying to ensure the product hasn’t been flagged as unsafe.
Be Extra Vigilant with Children’s Products For items aimed at babies or children, buy from reputable retailers and check authenticity and safety labels. Make sure that the product contains instructions.
Report Unsafe Products If you receive a product that appears unsafe, report it to the retailer and Trading Standards (contactable through Citizens Advice). Reporting helps prevent others from being harmed.
The Dangers of Unsafe Products at Home
With more than half of accidental deaths happening in the home, shoppers must make safety a top priority. Poorly made products can lead to preventable accidents, including:
Choking hazards from toys with small parts.
Fire risks from uncertified electrical devices.
Poisoning incidents from unlabelled or improperly sealed household items.
Slow your speed to save lives, that’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as we enter a period of wintry weather.
Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager for RoSPA said: “The UK will is entering a time of wintry weather leading to travel disruption, which can pose unique risks to drivers and pedestrians – these risks are increased if someone is speeding.
“Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop, removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into collisions.
“Driving at 30mph, vehicles are travelling at around three car lengths a second – one blink and the driver may fail to see the early warning brake lights; a short glance away and the movement of a child behind a parked car will be missed.
“With that in mind, and the poor visibility this season poses, it’s clear to see the tragic consequences speeding could have”.
RoSPA advises the following when driving in darker periods of the day:
Be prepared: As the wintry weather sets in, it is crucial for motorists to adjust their driving habits. The decreased visibility during early mornings and evenings demands heightened caution. RoSPA urges drivers to use dipped headlights, and ensure clean windshields, to be extra cautious when navigating poorly lit roads.
Control your Speed: Poor driving conditions and darkness increase the risks associated with speeding. The lack of visibility, compounded by higher speeds, can lead to devastating accidents. The Department for Transport (DfT) reports that in 2023, exceeding the speed limit was deemed a contributory factor related for 21% of all fatal collisions. In 8% of fatal collisions, driving too fast for the conditions was deemed a contributory factor. 1.
RoSPA emphasises that adhering to speed limits and driving to the conditions is paramount, especially when visibility is reduced, or weather conditions are poor.
Caitlin Taylor continues: “If you must travel during poor weather, I suggest leaving ample time for the journey, ensuring you can travel within the speed limit, and try to maintain a safe distance behind other road users.
“As we age, our ability to adapt to changing light reduces, which impacts how we see colours and contrasts in low-light conditions. It also takes longer for the eyes to recover from glare”
People are more likely to die due to an accident in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK – the rate of accidental death is up 57% over the last decade
Fatalities on Scottish roads are 46% higher than the UK
Accidents cost the UK £12 billion every year – £6 billion in NHS medical care and £5.9 billion in lost working days
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, which reveals new data into rising accident numbers and calls on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS
Scotland is home to the highest rate of accidental death in the UK – currently 56% higher than the UK’s overall rate of accidental death and 67% higher than the rate in England, meaning people are far more likely to die in an accident in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK according to a new report* launched by RoSPA, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’.
As well as the tragic human loss, preventable accidents cost the UK a massive £12 billion every year due to lost working days and medical care. RoSPA is calling on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS.
RoSPA’s new report reveals that the rate of accidental death in Scotland has risen by 57% in the last decade and accidents now take over 2,500 lives each year.
This increase in the number of accidental deaths in Scotland can be seen across almost every type of accident.
Despite positive steps such as the successes of Water Safety Scotland and the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance, the recent abolition of Home Safety Scotland shows that the Government is still not taking a sufficiently robust approach to the nation’s alarming rise in accident rates.
Number of accidental deaths in 2022
% rise in accidental death rates, 2013 to 2022
Rate of accidental deaths per 100,000 people
UK-wide
21,336
42% increase
32 deaths
England
16,765
40% increase
29 deaths
Scotland
2,677
57% increase
49 deaths
Wales
1,206
41% increase
39 deaths
Northern Ireland
688
56% increase
36 deaths
Highest likelihood of fatality on Scottish roads
People are almost twice as likely (46%) to have a fatal transport-related accident in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK. This substantially higher fatality rate in Scotland exists across car users, pedestrians and motorcyclists – with people in cars 166% more likely to be killed in an accident driving in Scotland than they are elsewhere in the UK. Pedestrians are 96% more likely to be killed in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK and motorcyclists are 51% more likely to be killed in an accident on Scottish roads than in the rest of the country.
Other types of accidental deaths highest in Scotland
Tragically, Scotland isn’t just home to the highest rates of fatal road accidents – its non-transport fatal accident rate is also more than twice (57%) as high as the rest of the UK. Death from accidental poisoning is 139% higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK. There has been a sharp spike in drug-related deaths in Scotland since the early 2010s, which has one of the highest rates of drug deaths in the developed world, although this has begun to fall in recent years.
Death from accidental drowning is 59% higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK. This is partly due to ease of access to inland water, which creates more opportunities for drowning but is also compounded by lower water temperatures, making the risk of cold-water shock higher.
Death from exposure to smoke, fire or flames is 42% higher than the rest of the UK. This rate reflects the higher rate of dwelling fires in Scotland, which has been falling for several years but remains much higher than England and Wales.
Death from accidental fall accounts for 42% of all accidental deaths in Scotland, so the fact that they are almost twice (45%) as likely in Scotland than the rest of the UK is significant. The reasons for this aren’t recorded, but it could be due to rugged terrain and wetter conditions, and potentially higher proportions of people living in flats or apartments.
Cause of accidental death
Rate in Scotland compared to the UK as a whole
Rate in Wales compared to the UK as a whole
Rate in Northern Ireland compared to the UK as a whole
All types of accidental deaths
56% higher
22% higher
14% higher
Transport-related
46% higher
18% higher
34% higher
Transport accident – car occupants
166% higher
5% higher
88% higher
Transport accident – pedestrians
96% higher
35% lower
142% higher
Transport accident – motorcyclists
51% higher
78% higher
20% higher
Non-transport related
57% higher
22% higher
13% higher
Poisoning
139% higher
6% higher
10% lower
Drowning
59% higher
10% lower
71% higher
Exposure to smoke, fire or flames
42% higher
34% higher
18% higher
Falls
45% higher
24% higher
37% higher
Falls are the most common cause of accidental death in Scotland
RoSPA’s data reveals that like the UK as a whole, falls are the most common cause of accidental death in Scotland (42%), followed by poisonings (40%).
Most common cause of accidental death in 2022 (UK wide)
Most common cause of accidental death in 2022 (Scotland)
1.Falls – 46%
Falls – 42%
2.Poisonings – 26%
Poisonings – 40%
3.Other – 13%
Road traffic / transport – 7%
4.Road traffic / transport – 7%
Other – 5%
5.Threats to breathing e.g. choking and suffocating – 3%
Threats to breathing e.g. choking and suffocating – 2%
6. Drowning – 1%
Drowning – 1%
Accidents cost the UK almost £12 billion every year
As well as personal pain and injury, accidents put a huge strain on the NHS, costing at least £6 billion annually in NHS medical care – not including ambulance callouts, surgery or long-term treatment.
Across the UK accidents led to around 5.2 million bed days, costing the NHS an estimated £5.4 billion last year. In addition, accidents resulted in around 7 million Accident & Emergency (A&E) visits across the UK last year, costing a further £613 million, bringing the total cost of accidents to the NHS to at least £6 billion annually.
Accident-related injuries are also a drain on the economy and prevent people from working. The combined cost to UK businesses is £5.9 billion, due to lost output and indirect management costs.
Ten times more working days lost due to accidents than strikes
Across the UK in 2022/23 7.7 million working days were lost by those who were unable to work after an accident as they’d been admitted to hospital, or by their carers who took time off work to be with them. A further 21 million working days were lost by those who had to attend A&E after an accident. In total in 2022/23 accidents led to almost 29 million lost working days across the UK – 10 times more than were lost due to strikes (2.7 million lost working days) in the same year.
RoSPA is calling for the Government to create a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS.
Steve Cole, Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director at RoSPA, said: “Scotland is facing an accident crisis. It has the worst rates of accidental death than anywhere else in the UK.
“Scots are substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than they were 20 years ago. We must take action now to stop further preventable deaths and serious injuries – accidents are avoidable and do not need to happen.
“Even those who have never been involved in an accident are still suffering, as increasing numbers of accidents are choking the UK economy and engulfing the NHS – taking up bed space, money, time and resources that could be directed to other serious illnesses.
“Our new report revealing the growing numbers and types of fatal and life-changing accidents across the UK unveils a new public health scandal. By implementing a National Accident Prevention Strategy to sit across government departments problems can be tackled at their core, with a joined-up approach to cover all types of accidents – whether they happen at home, on the road, at work or in public.
“For too long we have accepted the economic and social consequences of accidents, and we’re still paying the price. We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to make Scotland a safer place to live.”
Dan Evans, Chief Executive at Speedy Hire, said: “We take health and safety extremely seriously, and it is a source of immense pride that we have been recognised for our excellence in keeping colleagues and customers safe.
“For us, colleague safety doesn’t begin and end at the workplace door, which is why at Speedy Hire we take a ‘whole person, whole life’ approach. This has never been more important to do so, as RoSPA’s report reveals people are far more likely to suffer a serious accident at home than they are at work.
“Both the cost of accidents to peoples’ personal lives and to businesses is far too high, so we must act now to keep people safe and support economic growth.”
Dr. James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA and author of ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, said: “Our major review of all accident data uncovers the full scale and true cost of accidents for the very first time. This data is unique; it looks at all types of accidents across the UK, as well as individually across all four nations.
“Accidents aren’t currently monitored or recorded to the same extent as other health issues, but the findings are alarming. Accident rates across the UK, as well as within England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – are rising steeply. We’ve brought together this data to reveal the reality of this crisis and to impress upon the Government that action must be taken to reverse rising accident figures.”
RoSPA are calling for the Government to seize the initiative and create a National Accident Prevention Strategy – a first for the UK. And, because it’s impossible to arrest a crisis like this without a plan, RoSPA propose that the National Accident Prevention Strategy is the specific responsibility of an individual minister without a portfolio. This would enable the minister to treat accident prevention holistically, with the authority to attend the Cabinet and the ability to convene cross-departmental committees.
The National Accident Prevention Strategy must:
Take a joined-up approach which cuts across departments and provides strategic leadership to guide policy making at national level
Empower individual departments or agencies to craft and implement more detailed policies
Propose ambitious and evidence-led but realistic policy interventions to reduce accident rates
Cover the core sectors directly affecting the UK economy: home, work, product, leisure and transport
Be forward-facing to address emerging challenges, like the climate crisis, the rise of AI and the UK’s ageing population
Address inequalities like deprivation, age, ethnicity and region
Take a four-nations approach to data sharing and collaboration
Strengthen Government’s data collection and publishing processes relating to accidents
In 2022/23, over 50,000 children under 10 were admitted to hospital following a non-transport accident in England
Most common accidental injury in young children is caused by a fall – either down the stairs or from a highchair or bed – followed by crushing or striking injury, such as from unsupervised use of objects around the home
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, which reveals new data into rising accidents numbers and calls on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety
Preventable accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in young children aged between one and nine after cancer, birth defects, and diseases of the brain and nerves, according to a new report*, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, launched today by RoSPA and action must be taken.
The rate of all accidental deaths has increased by 42% over the last decade and RoSPA is calling on Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety**.
RoSPA’s new report reveals that children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society and in 2022/23, over 50,000 children under 10 were admitted to hospital and over 60 tragically died following a non-transport accident in England. Although accidents do happen, the frequency and severity of them can be prevented.
The most common injury was from falls, such as down the stairs or from a highchair or bed, which accounted for 22,000 hospital admissions. This was followed by 13,000 admissions for crushing or striking, such as accidents caused by broken glass or unsupervised use of objects around the home.
More than 2,600 hospital admissions were because of injuries caused by other people, such as children colliding with each other, or animals – including 1,100 dog bites.
A further 2,380 hospital admissions in under 10s were for accidental poisonings, such as children digesting household products, medicines and cosmetics. There were over 670 young hildren hospitalised for accidental choking, strangulation or suffocation, such as swallowing a small toy or playing with nappy sacks, and 100 young children were hospitalised after a drowning incident.
RoSPA is calling on government to ensure that there is mandatory classroom-based education on water safety and swimming lessons in schools, as both go hand-in-hand to support water safety among young people.
Deprivation is closely associated with an increased risk of childhood accidents. In turn accidental injuries can make inequalities worse by causing children to take time off school, leaving them with long-term health problems and creating economic impacts for their households.
Most accidents take place at home
Instead of being a sanctuary of safety, being at home is one of the most dangerous places for young children and people of all ages to be, as over half (55%) of all accidental deaths are due to an accident at home. Out of all of those admitted to hospital after an accident (excluding road accident), over two thirds (62%) took place at home.
Falls are by far the most common cause of both accidental death (46%) and accident-related hospital admission (61%) in the UK across all ages. Out of all those who were admitted to hospital after an accidental fall, over half (53%) fell in their own home.
Poisonings are the second biggest cause of accidental death, and in 2019 76% of these took place at home. While most poisonings come from alcohol and drug use in the home, threats also come in other forms. In England and Wales 42 people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, with a further 224 people hospitalised and 4,000 attending A&E. Children are particularly vulnerable to accidental poisonings, with 1,956 hospital admissions in England alone among under 5s in 2022/23.
RoSPA is calling for Government to create a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS – which includes eight policy recommendations to improve child safety. Read RoSPA’s full report, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’.
Dr James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA, said: “Our new report shows that young children at home are particularly at risk from accidents which can cause serious injuries or worse.
“It is a heart-breaking tragedy that accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in children aged between one and ten, and action must be taken as accidents are preventable.
“We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to sit across government departments so problems can be tackled at their core, which will better protect children from the risk of accidents at home, in school, while they’re travelling or in other public areas such as swimming pools.”
RoSPA’s home accident prevention safety advice for parents and carers:
Stairs and windows
Fit a safety gate BS EN 1930:2011 at the top and bottom of stairs Never leave trip hazards on stairs Stairs should be carefully maintained with strong balustrades Stairs should be well lit Fit child resistant window restrictors but ensure you can get out easily in an emergency Do not put anything under the window that can be climbed on Furniture at risk from being pulled over should be secured to the wall
Fires
Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children Always use fireguard BS 8423:2010 and secure it to the wall Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly Have an escape route planned and practice it Fit a smoke alarm which complies with BS EN 14604 2005 and check it regularly
Scalds and burns
Never hot a hot drink and a child at the same time Never leave young children alone in the bathroom Put hot drinks out of children’s reach and away from edges of tables Try to use a cordless kettle Keep small children out of the kitchen whenever possible Run domestic hot water system at 46OC or fit a thermostatic mixing value to taps Always run the cold water in a bath first and test the temperature before letting a child get in Always use rear hotplates and turn panhandles away from the front of a cooker Keep hot irons, curling tongs and hair straighteners out of reach, even when cooling down
Glass-related accidents
Use safety glass to BS 6206 in all replacement windows and doors, especially at low level Make existing glass safer by applying shatter resistant film When buying furniture which incorporates glass, look for approval to BS EN 12521:2009 and BS 14749-2005, BS EN 14072:2003, BS EN 12150-1:2000 and BS EN 12600-2002 Always clear up broken glass quickly and dispose of it safely Buy a greenhouse with special safety glazing or isolate with fencing
Poisoning
Keep medicines and chemicals out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard Wherever possible, buy products in child resistant containers Always store chemicals in their original containers Dispose of unwanted medicines and chemicals safely Avoid buying plants with poisonous leavers or berries or those that can irritate the skin
Suffocating and choking
Choose toys appropriate to the age of the child Keep small objects, such as marbles, out of reach of children under three Encourage older children to keep their toys away from younger playmates Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and kept out of reach Keep animals, especially cats, out of the bedroom and use a net on a pram Keep nappy sacks out of reach of babies and young children Never store nappy sacks in or around the cot or pram Small food, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, blackberries and other soft fruit should be cut into quarters to prevent choking Babies should sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of their pram and blankets tucked across their chest and under their arms. Keep the cot free from bumpers, pillows and soft toys. Ensure children are the right age for the cot, bed or other sleep product. Kids 2-in-1 portable airbeds/sleeping bags are not suitable for babies. Always check the labels and follow the safety instructions.
Latest data sees notable increase in victims between 2022 and 2023, with jump from 13 to 32 casualties
Highest rise in firework-related injuries since 2010
Attending an organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks – RoSPA
There has been a 146 per cent rise from 13 casualties in 2022 to 32 casualties from firework-related incidents in 2023, according to Home Office data.
Last year, figures were at the highest they’ve been since 2010 when fireworks injured 45 people.
As a result, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging everyone to do one essential thing this year to ensure a safe celebration: attend an organised display.
Phil Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor, said:“The number one thing you can do to reduce the risk of injury from fireworks is to attend events managed by professionals and held in controlled environments.
“Each year, injuries occur due to improper handling and unsafe use of fireworks in home gardens. Organised events offer the thrill of fireworks while minimising the risks to you, your family, and your neighbours.”
But if you’re having Fireworks at home: follow the Firework Code
By following the Firework Code, you can protect yourself, your family, and others while still enjoying the magic of Bonfire Night. Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries related to fireworks, with some incidents leading to life-altering injuries or even fatalities. Many of these accidents are preventable with the right precautions.
The Firework Code: Your Safety Checklist
Buy fireworks from licensed sellers: · Buy fireworks from licensed sellers: Only purchase fireworks that have a UKCA or CE Mark
Follow instructions carefully: Read and follow the instructions on each firework, and ensure you know how to use them before lighting.
Keep fireworks in a closed box: Store them safely and only take them out one at a time.
Light fireworks at arm’s length: Use a taper or long lighter, and never go back to a firework once it’s lit.
Stand well back: Always maintain a safe distance once fireworks are lit.
Supervise children: Never allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.
Never put fireworks in your pocket: This can lead to accidental ignition and severe injury.
Dispose of used fireworks properly: Douse fireworks with water after they’ve gone off and dispose of them safely.
Keep pets indoors: Fireworks can cause distress to animals, so make sure pets are kept inside during displays.
Additional Firework Safety Tips
In addition to following the Firework Code, RoSPA offers these further recommendations for a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night:
Be mindful of bonfires: Keep a safe distance and never throw fireworks, aerosols, or anything else into the bonfire.
Wear protective clothing: When handling fireworks, ensure you’re wearing suitable clothing, such as long sleeves and gloves, particularly when using sparklers.
To celebrate Autumn’s festivities safely, you can learn more about RoSPA’s guidance, as well as the firework code here.
Tests on children’s Halloween costumes revealed that over 80% of costumes for under-sevens failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation risks. RoSPA advises parents to take one simple but crucial step this Halloween: choose costumes from trusted sourcesthat meet UK safety standards.
As Halloween approaches, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families to take action following alarming news from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
New Findings on Costume Safety
Tests conducted by OPSS on 128 costumes purchased from various online marketplaces found that more than 80% failed safety tests. Among these, 28 costumes did not meet flammability standards, and 59 were found to have dangerous cords or drawstrings that posed a strangulation hazard. Many costumes also lacked appropriate labelling, with 98 out of 128 failing to provide essential safety information.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy and Press for RoSPA said: “These results are deeply concerning. Parents and those responsible for children need to be extra cautious this Halloween. Always purchase costumes from reputable retailers and check for the UKCA or CE mark to ensure they comply with UK safety regulations.
“This is important as it shows that the product has been tested to meet UK safety standards, and indicates that the costume has passed essential safety tests, including those for flammability.
“With the recent findings from the OPSS, it’s clearer than ever that safety needs to come first. If you’re buying a Halloween costume for your child, checking for that the product meets labelling requirements should be a top priority. This simple check can prevent accidents and ensure a safer Halloween for everyone.”
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN
In addition to choosing costumes that meet flammability and safety standards, RoSPA advises families to follow these important guidelines:
Avoid open flames: Keep children away from lit candles, fireplaces, and any other open flames.
Supervise children: An adult should always be present to supervise children, especially near fire hazards.
Make costumes visible: Add reflective strips to costumes or provide children with torches to ensure they can be seen in the dark while trick-or-treating.
Stay cautious with homemade costumes: RoSPA advises against homemade costumes, as they are unlikely to meet the same fire safety standards as store-bought ones that comply with UK regulations.
Check for product recalls: The OPSS regularly updates its website with information on recalled products, including Halloween costumes. If you’re unsure about a costume’s safety, check online before using it.
Motorists must adopt ‘defensive driving’ techniques this autumn as the clocks go back
Road safety expert, TTC Group is urging motorists to be extra vigilant from Sunday 27th October when the clocks go back.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) there is a surge in the number of vulnerable road users killed or seriously injured as daylight hours shorten. To help motorists stay safe TTC calls upon them to use ‘defensive driving’ techniques, which can be adopted through the winter months.
TTC says that those most at risk are fearful of driving in low light, including older motorists and young drivers with low mileage under their belt. Knowing the dangers of night driving and what to do to mitigate those risks is essential.
Andy Wheeler, Training Manager for TTC Group, said: “As the days get shorter it’s worth reminding ourselves of the simple techniques which can make a difference to staying safe while night driving.
“A higher number of traffic-related fatalities occur at night with fatigue being a significant factor in most cases. Reduced visibility and inappropriate driving add to that risk, that is why we advise all drivers and riders to embrace defensive driving techniques.”
DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS
Speed: It is safer to reduce your speed when driving in the dark, especially in unlit areas. This will buy time to observe vulnerable road users and stop accordingly.
Distance: It is harder to spot hazards at night so get into the habit of increasing the two-second time gap from the vehicle in front. Following too close reduces visibility and time and distance to stop. Headlights could also distract or intimidate the driver in front.
Slow down: Take extra time to read the road for signs of other road users by travelling slower than normal. This also allows time for the eyes to adjust when travelling from well-lit to dark roads.
Lights: Ensure external lights are clean, in good working order and interior lighting is turned off. Be careful not to dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users by always using dipped headlights in urban areas or when approaching oncoming vehicles. Use full beam on all other roads, particularly unlit rural lanes, when the opportunity arises and you won’t dazzle other road users.
Eyes: Routinely have your sight examined. To avoid being dazzled by oncoming headlights, drivers can keep attention on the left-hand kerb. The rear-view mirror should be adjusted to reflect light away from the eyes and above all, let your eyes adjust to different lighting levels
Tiredness: Falling asleep when driving overnight accounts for 40 per cent of collisions in the UK. Prevent drowsy driving by ensuring business drivers take regular breaks every two hours.
Visibility: A dirty windscreen will increase glare from other vehicles at night and are also prone to steam up. Keep windscreens, windows and mirrors clean with a microfibre cloth, both inside and out
Stay alert: Remember other drivers may not be as cautious. Drivers should slow down more than usual at junctions and check side and rear-view mirrors regularly.
View of a pedestrian crossing in the city at night during a heavy downpour. Silhouettes of people with umbrellas in the headlights of the car. People cross the road.
Water Safety Scotland (WSS) has launched its groundbreaking Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) Dashboard, providing an unprecedented tool to analyse and prevent water-related fatalities in Scotland.
The DIR, developed by RoSPA and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, reviews all accidental drownings in Scotland and offers detailed data to guide local and national prevention efforts.
The new DIR Dashboard will allow stakeholders to access vital data on drowning incidents, contributory factors, and post-incident measures. This tool will significantly enhance Scotland’s ability to take a targeted approach to preventing water emergencies.
Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and DIR co-author, said: “The DIR enables us to take a focused approach to preventing water-based fatalities with data that was never previously available before in Scotland.
“The new DIR Dashboard will provide even greater access to critical information, allowing us to better understand and address the causes of drowning. This will be particularly useful for both national and local efforts in prevention”.
The DIR Dashboard offers stakeholders access to comprehensive drowning data, helping to inform water safety measures and prevention strategies. By visualising and analysing key factors, the tool will support both local and national efforts to reduce water-related deaths.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:“The Procurator Fiscal is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, accidental, or unexplained deaths in Scotland.
“The purpose of each investigation is to establish the circumstances and cause of the death and to identify any preventable dangers to life and the safety of the public.
“We welcome the introduction of the Drowning and Incident (DIR) Dashboard and will continue to support this process, and any other measures intended to reduce the numbers of accidental drownings in Scotland.”
Station Commander James Sullivan, SFRS’ Lead Officer for Water Safety Scotland and Co-author of DIR said: “DIR is a unique process that provides an opportunity to understand contributory factors and events leading up to a water emergency that enables targeted prevention efforts across Scotland.
“DIR is the result of innovative and collaborative working that would not have been possible without the commitment and influence of Water Safety Scotland’s members.”
The DIR Dashboard goes live today, offering users an accessible platform for viewing data on drowning incidents and preventative measures. More information is available via the Water Safety Scotland website.
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