Tag: RoSPA

Accident deaths up 8%

MPs debate national accident prevention strategy after rise in deaths  

  • Accidental deaths have risen by 8% in a single year 
  • Accidents cost the UK a minimum of £12 billion a year in a combination of NHS treatment and lost economic productivity 
  • Sir Andrew Mitchell MP led the debate, highlighting that 23,000 people die a year due to preventable accidents 

MPs across the political spectrum are supporting the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)’s call for the government to introduce a National Accident Prevention Strategy, following a Westminster Hall debate on rising accidental deaths in the UK.  

The debate, led by Sir Andrew Mitchell MP, focused on figures from RoSPA’s Annual Review of Accidents showing accidental deaths have risen by 8% in a single year, with more than 23,000 people now killed annually in preventable accidents across the UK.  

MPs from across the House, including Lee Pitcher, Sarah Olney, Jim Shannon and Greg Smith, highlighted the growing human and economic cost of accidents and and pressed the government to adopt a more coordinated approach to prevention. 

Alongside being one of the leading causes of preventable death, accidents place increasing pressure on public services.

Nearly 900,000 people – the equivalent of the entire population of Devon – are admitted to hospital due to accidents every year, costing the NHS at least £6 billion in direct treatment costs. The UK economy loses another £6 billion due to lost working days and productivity, while accidents also remove people from the workforce and drive up the benefits bill.  

Despite this, responsibility for accident prevention remains spread across multiple government departments and agencies, including transport, product safety and workplace safety, with no overarching national strategy to align efforts or track progress. 

The Westminster Hall debate follows growing concern that while prevention strategies exist for issues such as road traffic collisions or workplace injuries, there is no overarching framework to keep people safe across all aspects of their lives. 

Rebecca Hickman, chief executive of RoSPA, said: “Accidents are often treated as isolated events, but the data tells a different story.

“Rising death rates show this is a systemic issue that requires national leadership, clearer accountability and a long-term approach to prevention.” 

Sir Andrew Mitchell MP said: “The burden extends across the economy. When people are injured, they are often unable to work- sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently.

“Families lose income; employers lose skilled workers; productivity falls. The country loses millions of working days each year due to accident-related absence. The combined cost to UK business is now estimated at about £6 billion every year. 

“Taken together, this represents a hidden but substantial cost to the country—to our health service, economy and public finances. The truth is that we can do better. Indeed, we have done better before.

“We know what works: safer homes, stronger product standards, effective public awareness campaigns, improved design of public spaces, better data collection, and co-ordinated action across Government and local agencies.” 

Stay safe in your garden this bank holiday weekend, says RoSPA  

  • In 2024/25, hospital admissions included 515 lawnmower injuries, 2,421 incidents involving non‑powered hand tools, and 5,784 injuries from powered hand tools and household machinery. 
  • In 2024/25 there were 21,234 admissions in England caused by contact with animals or plants, reflecting a 23% increase over the past decade. 
  • RoSPA has launched a garden safety checklist to help prevent injuries 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging households to carry out basic garden safety checks ahead of the bank holiday weekend, as people prepare to spend more time outdoors.

The warning comes amid recurring injuries linked to falls, garden tools, barbecues and unsecured ponds during spring and summer peaks across the UK. 

RoSPA is advising people to inspect gardens before the weekend, focusing on trip hazards, safe use of equipment, and proper supervision of children around ponds, barbecues and firepits. The safety charity says many serious accidents are preventable with simple precautions. 

Each year, emergency departments see a rise in avoidable injuries during periods of good weather, with uneven paths, ladders, barbecues and garden tools among the most common causes. Children are particularly at risk around ponds, paddling pools and play equipment left unchecked between seasons. 

Ahead of the long weekend, RoSPA has published an updated garden safety checklist, encouraging households to:  

  • buy garden products from reputable retailers, 
  • remove debris and other trip hazards 
  • store tools and equipment securely, 
  • position ladders correctly 
  • supervise children at all times near water  

The guidance also reminds families to fence or cover water features and to securely store hazardous substances out of children’s reach. 

Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Gardens should be places for relaxation, but they can quickly become dangerous if basic safety checks are overlooked.   

“Warmer weather often creates a false sense of security. We see the same patterns every year: falls from ladders, burns from barbecues, and children accessing water or tools unsupervised.

“These incidents are not inevitable, and a few simple steps before the weekend can make a real difference in preventing serious injuries and keeping families safe. 

“It’s also important to resist the temptation to buy a ‘bargain’ online , as items purchased from overseas suppliers may not meet UK safety standards, particularly for garden tools, equipment and chargers.”  
 
For more information, visit the newly launched RoSPA Garden Safety webpage here: RoSPA- Garden safety 

RoSPA: Take Action Today

Thousands of children each year end up in hospital through accidental poisoning. But in Take Action Today areas, emergency admissions for under-fives have dropped by almost 50% since 2013.

Take Action Today helps parents keep their young children safe from accidental poisoning through free safety resources, checklists and fact sheets.

Join the 1 million families who have benefited from Take Action Today – access free safety resources at www.rospa.com/home-safety/household-cleaning-products

#TakeActionToday

#HouseholdSafety

#HomeSafetyAdvice

People with dementia at increasing risk of accidental poisonings at home  

  • Accidental poisonings (excluding narcotics and hallucinogens) have soared by 63% in a decade, with 5,770 deaths in 2024.* 
  • Older adults are at highest risk — people aged 65+ are more than twice as likely to die from a poisoning of this type as the general population. 
  • Hospitals in England saw 17,252 non-narcotic and hallucinogen poisoning‑related admissions last year, including nearly 5,000 older adults, who were 55% more likely to require hospital care. 

Accidental poisoning is fast becoming a hidden home‑safety crisis, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned, as new figures show 5,770 people died from accidental poisonings in 2024, a 63 per cent increase in just ten years.  

Older adults are bearing the brunt: 2,371 lives lost were among people aged 65+, making them more than twice as likely to die from a poisoning as the general population. To tackle this, RoSPA has published  new guidance, highlighting how people living with dementia are among those at particular risk.  

The surge isn’t only seen in fatalities. Hospitals in England recorded 17,252 poisoning‑related admissions last year — almost 5,000 involving older adults, who were 55% more likely to require urgent care. 

The charity’s guidelines help households protect vulnerable loved ones and include simple steps to prevent dangerous chemicals from being mistaken for everyday items. Many products in the home can be opened and swallowed in moments, especially when confusion, memory loss or impaired visual recognition makes hazardous substances look harmless.  

These cognitive changes can turn ordinary domestic spaces into high risk environments, with the sharp rise in poisoning incidents tragic evidence that too many preventable emergencies are happening in homes across the UK, often without families realising how quickly a situation can escalate. 

Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager, said: “Families with vulnerable relatives can often deal with genuinely frightening moments. Turning away for just a few seconds and realising someone has swallowed a cleaning product is sadly a reality that some of the public have experienced. 

“These aren’t freak accidents. They are predictable, preventable events, and our new guidance is designed to help people act fast to make their homes safer.” 

What you can do RIGHT NOW now to lower the risk  

  • Lock away cleaning and laundry products: high cupboards or secured storage only. 
  • Keep medicines tightly controlled: use organisers, track doses and store out of sight. 
  • Check packaging: ensure harmful products stay in their original containers. 
  • Remove confusion triggers: keep look-alike bottles (e.g., bright drinks and cleaning fluids) apart. 
  • Supervise more closely when unfamiliar items, visitors or new products are around. 
  • Conduct weekly hazard sweeps of kitchens, bathrooms and utility areas. 

Paul Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer at Dementia UK, said: “Laundry and cleaning products are often easily accessible in our homes, and many have brightly coloured packaging which can cause confusion for people with dementia, who may mistake them for other, edible items.

“One of the challenges of supporting someone with dementia is balancing the risk between an individuals’ autonomy against their safety.   

“It is impossible to eliminate risk completely, but these guidelines offer simple steps people can take to reduce the chance of these accidents happening, and provide a helpful checklist for both professional care environments and in the home.”  

Alzheimer’s Society Senior Knowledge Officer, Simon Wheeler, said: “Staying safe is important for people with dementia who want to keep living at home for as long as possible, as well as for those who support them.    

“As a person’s dementia progresses, they might have trouble telling the difference between something that’s safe to eat and something that isn’t.    

“If you want to reduce the risk of accidents, make sure that you store your cleaning products like laundry detergents safely in a cupboard and out of sight. 

“Don’t leave them out on a worktop or near any food or drinks, especially if they might be mistaken for sweets or drinks.”

RoSPA’s latest advice underscores a growing national concern: without simple protective steps, vulnerable people are at real and immediate risk inside their own homes. 

checklist-poisoning-prevention-for-people-with-dementiaDownload

RoSPA: Take extra care as Storm Chandra brings snow and rain 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging people to take immediate safety precautions as amber weather warnings are issued ahead of the arrival of Storm Chandra. 

Storm Chandra, the third major storm to affect the UK this month, is expected to bring a combination of damaging winds and heavy rainfall from Monday into Tuesday. The Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for eastern Northern Ireland, with coastal gales and gusts of up to 75mph likely, creating dangerous conditions and large waves that may overtop sea defences.  

An amber rain warning is also in place for south‑west England, where 30–50mm of rain is expected widely, rising to 60–80mm over higher ground, increasing the risk of flooding on already saturated land. 

RoSPA safety advice 

RoSPA advises the public to take immediate steps to reduce the risk of injury and disruption: 

  • Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas under amber warnings or where flooding is likely. 
  • Keep mobile phones and essential devices fully charged in case of power cuts.
  • Monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities. 
  • Secure outdoor items such as bins, signage and garden furniture to prevent damage or injury. 
  • Prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries and non‑perishable food. 
  • Stay indoors during periods of severe weather and ensure windows and doors are securely shut. 
  • Check in on vulnerable neighbours, particularly those living alone or in rural areas. 

Driving safety during heavy rain and flooding 

RoSPA is reminding drivers that severe weather greatly increases the risk of road collisions: 

  • Heavy rain reduces visibility and can double stopping distances – slow down, allow extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front and plan manoeuvres early. 
  • Use windscreen wipers at all times in poor conditions, and use washers and dipped headlights as appropriate. 
  • Aquaplaning occurs when tyres lose grip on surface water – reduce speed, maintain correct tyre pressure and tread depth to avoid aquaplaning, and if it happens, ease off the accelerator and avoid harsh steering or braking until grip returns.
  • On flooded roads, avoid deep water near kerbs and never drive through water if the depth is uncertain. Find an alternative route.  

Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Storm Chandra is expected to bring hazardous conditions that significantly increase the risk of injuries, particularly from falls, flying debris and dangerous driving conditions.

“Taking simple precautions now – such as avoiding unnecessary travel, securing loose items and staying informed – can make a real difference in keeping people safe.” 

RoSPA is urging the public to prioritise safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks while severe weather warnings remain in place. 

RoSPA: 8,000 people a day die in accidents worldwide 

Accidental deaths and life-changing injuries: A global tragedy

  • 1 in 20 deaths worldwide are due to accidents – making them the sixth biggest cause of death globally 
  • People in lower- and middle-income countries are much more likely to die in accidents 
  • RoSPA calls for greater investment in accident prevention to save lives, reduce inequalities and promote economic growth 

Accidents are the sixth leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 3 million lives a year, and people in developing countries are far more likely to be killed in an accident than those in richer nations. 

That’s the shocking truth exposed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ (RoSPA)’s new report Accidental deaths and life-changing injuries: A global tragedy, in partnership with L’Oréal and Xylem. 

This groundbreaking study of international accident rates, based on analysis of data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other sources, reveals that:  

  • Accidents are now the sixth biggest cause of death worldwide 
  • 3.1 million people lost their lives in accidents in 2021 alone: over 8,000 every single day 
  • 1 in 20 deaths worldwide is the result of an accident. 
  • In addition, RoSPA’s research reveals enormous inequalities across the globe:  
  • 1.2 million people are killed in road collisions every year
  • 92% of road deaths happen in low- or middle-income countries – even though they have only 60% of the world’s vehicles 
  • 315,000 people are killed at work 
  • 94% of workplace deaths occur in lower- and middle- income countries 
  • Workplace deaths are highest in Africa and Asia 
  • Workers are almost three times more likely to die of a workplace accident in Asia than in Europe, and nearly four times more likely in Africa 
  • Agriculture has the highest number of deaths of any sector. 

Many of these inequalities may be explained by poor infrastructure, weaker regulations and inconsistent enforcement in developing nations. RoSPA has also found that 80% of deaths in working age adults take place outside of work, with road traffic collisions, falls, drownings and fires being particularly deadly.  

Together with the tragic human toll, with millions left unable to work or having to financially manage after a loved one has passed away, accidents also put an immense burden on economies, through a combination of lower productivity and the cost of medical care. 

In developing countries in particular, accidents can create a vicious cycle of lower growth leading to lower incomes and thus lower investment in accident prevention.  

With over 100 years of experience developing evidence-based solutions that have saved millions of lives on roads, in work and at home, RoSPA is campaigning for much greater investment in accident prevention across the world to drive growth, improve productivity, foster social justice and – most importantly – save lives.

 

Rebecca Hickman, Chief Executive at RoSPA, said: “Every day, thousands of people around the world are killed or seriously injured in preventable accidents. Each death or injury devastates families and communities. At RoSPA, we believe safety is a fundamental human right – one that should not depend on where you live. 

“These findings are stark: accidental deaths remain a major public health challenge, with lower- and middle- income countries facing the heaviest burdens. 

RoSPA’s vision is an accident-free world. This report provides a foundation for global action by governments, businesses, NGOs, and international institutions to act, because a safer world is not only possible, it is essential.” 

Malcolm Staves, Global Vice President of Health and Safety at L’Oréal, said: “Each year, millions of individuals tragically lose their lives, sustain permanent injuries, or develop long-term diseases due to unsafe and unhealthy environments, both within and outside the workplace.

“These perilous conditions often stem from a complex interplay of underlying causes, including governance gaps, deficient legislative frameworks, a pervasive lack of awareness or knowledge, insufficient resources, and a weak culture of prevention, both within workplaces and across society at large. 

“Our game-changing partnership with RoSPA, which provides health, safety, and wellbeing information and support to a wider community, epitomizes our values and our commitment to protecting people.” 

Autumn Crum, Director of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) at Xylem, said: “True safety leadership is caring for people and proactively addressing risk wherever it exists.

“With RoSPA’s Global Accident Data Initiative, we’re helping turn data into action to better protect people, families, and communities around the world.”  

Access the full report here 

Storm Bram: Safety warning issued amid amber flood, heavy rain and wind warnings  

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging the public to take extra precautions ahead of Storm Bram, which is set to lash the UK with torrential rain and fierce winds.

Storm Bram is set to hit the UK on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing severe winds and heavy rain. An amber warning for north-west Scotland predicts gusts up to 90mph, while saturated ground in Wales and south-west England increases the risk of flooding. These conditions could cause building damage and major transport disruption. 

Yellow warnings will also cover large parts of the UK, including Wales, south-west England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with gusts of 50-60mph and locally over 70mph. Combined with heavy rain, this poses significant safety risks, including hazardous travel, delays, and cancellations.   

RoSPA advises the public to take immediate steps to reduce the risk of injury and disruption:    

  • Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas under Amber warnings or where flooding is likely.  
  • Keep mobile phones and essential devices fully charged in case of power cuts.  
  • Monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.  
  • Secure outdoor items such as bins, signage, and garden furniture to prevent damage.  
  • Prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries, and non-perishable food.  
  • Stay indoors during periods of severe weather and ensure windows and doors are shut.  
  • Check in on vulnerable neighbours, particularly those living alone or in rural areas.  
      

Driving safety tips during heavy rain and flooding  
  

  • Rain reduces visibility and doubles stopping distances: slow down and plan manoeuvres early.  
  • Use windscreen wipers, washers, and dipped headlights at all times.  
  • Aquaplaning happens when tyres lose grip on surface water: reduce speed, maintain correct tyre pressure and tread depth. If it occurs, ease off the accelerator and brakes until grip returns.  
  • On flooded roads: avoid deep water near kerbs, don’t cross if depth is uncertain, and if you proceed, drive slowly in first gear, keep engine speed high, and test brakes after exiting water.  
  • Avoid flooded areas wherever possible.  

Steve Cole, Policy Director at RoSPA, said:  “Storm Bram isn’t just a risk outdoors; homes may be vulnerable too. Secure garden furniture, bins, and anything that could blow away or cause damage. Indoors, make sure windows and doors are firmly shut and keep an emergency kit ready.”  

“On the roads, your regular journey may be difficult. Rain doubles stopping distances and aquaplaning can happen in seconds. Slow down, keep your distance, and never attempt to drive through floodwater. These simple steps can help protect your home, your journey and keep communities safe.”  

Bonfire night safety fears after 42% rise in fireworks-related incidents

  • Home Office data shows 2024/25 saw 42 per cent increase in firework incidents compared to 2023/24 
  • 3,500+ incidents linked to human error since 2010 
  • Organised displays remain the safest option   

As an increasing number of organised fireworks displays across the UK are cancelled this year, safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning of increased risks from home-based celebrations.

Cancellations in London, Edinburgh and other locations come amid a 42 per cent rise in fireworks-related fire incidents, prompting urgent calls for caution ahead of Bonfire Night. New data shows 264 incidents occurred in 2024/25, up from 185 the previous year.   

The figures, drawn from Home Office statistics, highlight a worrying trend in unsafe firework use. Most incidents involved “other primary fires,” which include outdoor fires in bins, grassland, and vehicles, likely caused by improper handling or disposal of fireworks.  

Fireworks are a leading cause of seasonal fire injuries and property damage in the UK. Despite ongoing safety campaigns, human error remains the primary factor in over 75 per cent of incidents.  

Organised events offer safer – as well as more spectacular – displays.  However, anyone intending on using fireworks at home should remember the following important safety tips:   

  • Only adults should handle fireworks  
  • Avoid alcohol if you are lighting fireworks  
  • Store fireworks in a closed box  
  • Always light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper  
  • Never return to a firework after lighting   
  • Direct rockets well away from spectators.  
  • Always buy fireworks with a CE or UKCA mark  
  • Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and must be handled with care.  

Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Fireworks are powerful explosives, not toys. Only adults should handle them and never mix alcohol with lighting fireworks.

“Store them safely in a closed box, light at arm’s length with a taper, and never go back to a lit firework. Always buy CE or UKCA-marked products, aim rockets away from people, and remember sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures — treat them with care.   

“The shocking rise in incidents over the past year is a stark reminder of the dangers they pose when misused. We strongly advise families to attend organised displays wherever possible, as they are far safer than home-based celebrations.”    

Find more firework safety advice on the RoSPA website.  

RoSPA: Hidden horrors of Halloween

Over 80% of children’s costumes fail safety tests

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families to take extra care this Halloween after new government testing revealed widespread safety failures in children’s costumes.

The warning follows findings from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in 2024, which showed that more than 80 per cent of costumes tested failed basic safety checks.

Tests carried out by OPSS on 128 costumes—mostly purchased from online marketplaces—found serious issues including flammability risks and strangulation hazards. RoSPA is advising parents to only buy costumes from trusted retailers and to check for the UKCA or CE mark to ensure products meet UK safety standards.

The OPSS investigation found that 28 costumes failed flammability tests, while 59 featured cords or drawstrings that posed a strangulation risk. In addition, 98 costumes lacked essential safety labelling, making it harder for parents to assess risk.

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “These results are deeply concerning. Parents need to be vigilant and check for safety markings before buying. A UKCA or CE mark means the costume has passed critical safety tests, including for fire resistance.”

Graham Russell, Chief Executive at the Office for Product Safety and Standards, said: “Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but our tests showed many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before you buy.”

RoSPA is also reminding families to follow basic safety precautions during Halloween celebrations:

  • Avoid open flames such as candles and fireplaces.
  • Ensure children are supervised while trick-or-treating.
  • Make costumes visible with reflective strips or torches.
  • Avoid homemade costumes, which may not meet fire safety standards.
  • Check the OPSS website for product recalls before use.

RoSPA continues to work with government and industry to improve product safety and raise awareness among consumers.

Storm Amy: safety charity issues advice as severe wind and rain to hit Scotland

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a public safety warning ahead of Storm Amy, which is forecast to bring very strong winds and heavy rain to northern Britain from Friday afternoon through Saturday.

Winds are predicted to strengthen from the west on Friday, spreading eastward overnight. Gusts of 50–60 mph are expected, with some areas reaching 70 mph and exposed coastal and hilltop locations exceeding 80 mph. The strongest winds are likely over northern Scotland, with heavy rain expected across western Scotland.

RoSPA advises the public to take immediate precautions to reduce the risk of injury and disruption. These include:

  • Keeping mobile phones and essential devices fully charged in case of power cuts.
  • Avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary, especially on high or exposed routes.
  • Monitoring official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
  • Secure outdoor items like bins, signage, and garden furniture to prevent damage.
  • Prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries, and non-perishable food.
  • Stay indoors during periods of strong wind and ensure windows and doors are shut.
  • Check in on vulnerable neighbours, particularly those living alone or in rural areas.

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “Storm Amy may be a serious weather event and we urge everyone to take sensible precautions.

“Securing loose items, staying off the roads during peak wind periods, and looking out for neighbours can help prevent accidents and keep communities safe.”