RoSPA – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Scotland has highest rate of accidental death in the UK, warns new report

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.

Read RoSPA’s full report, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’.

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

Accidents are the fourth biggest cause of death in children under ten

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.

More information on child safety advice can be found here: https://www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/advice/accidents-to-children

National Accident Prevention Strategy Report v1 Download

146 per cent rise in firework casualties sparks emphasis on safety

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.

New government report on Halloween costumes spells concern, say RoSPA

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 sources that 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.

Driving in the dark – drivers urged to adopt defensive driving techniques

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 27^th 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.

Keeping children safe this firework season

As Bonfire Night approaches, make sure you know how to keep you and your family safe.

Nearly half of firework injuries happen to children.

Always follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.

Find more safety advice here bit.ly/fireworksafety2024

Life-saving data tool launched in Scotland

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.

Water safety charity issues warning after shocking report shows one child drowns EACH MONTH at home

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has published a Child Drowning Update for 2024 which highlights that in the last four years, on average, at least one child a month drowned at home in England.

This shocking statistic follows earlier findings from the charity, which used data from the National Child Morality Database (NCMD), underlining that child drowning deaths in England have doubled since 2019-20.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We find it heartbreaking to learn that one child a month is drowning at home.

“In a bid to reduce the number of young lives lost, our latest report seeks to help shed light on the factors contributing to child drownings, so that we can help more families be aware of the risks and stay safe.”

The report highlights that 2 out of 3 drownings that occurred at home did so in the bath, and that most of the children affected were aged under five.

Matt added: “In 86% of child drownings, the child was unsupervised by an adult at the time of the incident. In some cases of bath drownings, the parent had only left the bathroom for a moment, and this emphasises just how quickly and silently a child can drown – in a matter of minutes.”

RLSS UK is keen to change the misconception held by 55% of parents, according to a new survey from the charity*, who believe that they would hear thrashing and a lot of noise if their child was struggling in the bath – which is not the case.

RLSS UK’s survey also revealed that 59% of parents of children under five said they had left the bathroom at least once in the last month whilst their child was in the bath – and for most, this was down to them forgetting something, such as a towel.

Matt continued: “We always advise parents and carers to keep young children within arm’s reach in water. And if you do need to leave the bathroom at all, take the child with you.”

In response to these findings and to dispel harmful myths around bathtime, RLSS UK is launching a brand-new campaign, Splash Safety at your Pad, which will run from 1-31 October 2024.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness among parents and carers of young children about the importance of water safety when at home, with a particular focus on bathtime. As leading experts in water safety education, RLSS UK will share hints and tips to help families enjoy water safely.

Matt said: “We are pleased to introduce our Splash Safety at your Pad campaign, which aims to share important water safety messages with families across the UK and Ireland in a fun and engaging way. We hope this campaign has a positive impact on families with young ones and can help promote fun and safe bathtimes for all children.

“Splash Safety at your Pad launched on Tuesday 1 October so keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for more!”

*Consumer survey (September 2024), geographically representative sample of n=1,003 parents of children under five years from across the UK.

For more information around RLSS UK’s 2024 Child Drowning Update, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safety

For more information or media enquiries, please contact Simrit Mann by emailing simritmann@rlss.org.uk or calling 07890 900 508.

Rise in pedestrian deaths a concern, warn RoSPA

Pedestrian fatalities showed an increase of 5%
road deaths have only fallen by 9% over the last decade (2014 to 2023), compared to 47% decline in the previous decade (2004 to 2013)
RoSPA urges government to commit to a robust, evidence-based plan to prevent KSIs

Commenting on the latest Reported Road Collisions data for 2023, James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA said: “While we’re pleased to see road fatalities fall by 5% on 2022, sadly 1,624 people still died on the roads last year – an unacceptably high figure following years of stagnation in fatality reduction.

“We are particularly concerned that when we include the number of people seriously injured on the roads, the overall figure (29,711) has shown virtually no improvement over the last year.

“It’s important to put this into context. Although it’s good to see that road fatalities have decreased by 9% over the past decade, this is a marked slowdown compared to the 47% reduction achieved in the previous ten years.

“Taking a longer view, it’s clear that without a comprehensive road safety strategy in place, momentum has been lost.

“We urge the Government to take decisive action and commit to a robust, evidence-based plan to prevent further unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”

ROSPA: Falls Awareness Week

Falls Prevention Awareness Week 23 – 27 September

For #FallsAwarenessWeek, RoSPA ran a Fall Fighter awareness session with some of our colleagues at HQ!

Anyone can become a Fall Fighter – taking part is simple and requires no prior knowledge. The materials are designed for quick and effective delivery, with an average completion time of just 15-20 minutes.

Visit our website to find out more and download our FREE Fall Fighter training resources: : https://www.rospa.com/…/falls-prevention/fall-fighter