RoSPA – Page 2 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

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

Water Beads Safety Warning

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has recently issued a Safety Alert, highlighting the potential risks that water beads pose to children and vulnerable adults. RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) fully supports this important alert and encourages everyone to take necessary precautions when using or handling water beads.

Water beads, often marketed as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals, are small beads that can expand up to 400 times their original size when exposed to liquid.

Though popular for use in toys, decorations, and sensory play, they can present serious dangers, particularly for young children under 5 and vulnerable individuals, such as those with special educational needs or disabilities.

The Risks of Water Beads

The main concern with water beads is their ability to expand when swallowed. Once inside the body, they can block the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe complications that may require surgical intervention. The risk of choking is also significant, as small children often explore by putting objects in their mouths. Reports have linked water beads to injuries in the UK, and there have even been fatal cases overseas.

Another alarming aspect of water beads is their difficulty to detect if ingested. They are not visible on X-rays, meaning early symptoms may go unnoticed. It is crucial to be aware of signs of ingestion or choking and to seek immediate medical attention if a bead is swallowed. Symptoms can include vomiting, stomach pain, or changes in behaviour, which may appear hours or even days later.

Preventative Measures

RoSPA urges parents, caregivers, educators, and businesses to take the following steps to minimise the risks posed by water beads:

Keep water beads away from young children: For children under 5, water beads should be stored out of sight and reach to prevent accidental ingestion or choking.
Avoid using water beads in homes or settings with young children: Caregivers should avoid having water beads in environments where young children are present, even if they are intended for older children or adults. This helps reduce the likelihood of accidents, as younger children are prone to putting objects in their mouths.
Supervise closely when using water beads: If water beads are used by older children or vulnerable individuals, they should be supervised closely. Ensure that no beads have been left behind after play or use, and limit the number of beads available at any one time.
Know the signs of ingestion or choking: Be on the lookout for symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Choking signs may include grasping the neck, a change in skin colour, or distress. If you suspect ingestion, seek medical help immediately, and if possible, bring a sample of the product for identification.

Stay Informed for Safety

RoSPA encourages all caregivers, educators, and businesses to remain alert to the risks of water beads and to take action where needed. The OPSS has already taken steps to remove unsafe products from the market, but everyone plays a role in ensuring these risks are minimised in homes, schools, and beyond.

Phil Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, emphasises the importance of awareness: “Water beads may seem harmless, but they pose a real and often hidden danger to young children and vulnerable adults.

“We strongly urge parents and caregivers to follow the OPSS guidance and take immediate action to prevent unnecessary injuries or worse.”

For more information and to read the full OPSS Safety Alert, visit the official GOV.UK website.

–

RPII Launches Play Safety Week

The leading global body for play equipment safety, the Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII) launched the UK’s first Play Safety Week yesterday (Monday 9^th September).

Play Safety Week has been created to drive awareness and education in play safety at a time when many children will be returning back to school and using school equipment and also utilising play equipment on their walk and return from school.

Play Safety Week has been created for schools, organisations, and families to come together to educate, celebrate, discuss and raise awareness of what play safety really means. This includes attitudes to risk, supervision, and accidents.

It aims to increase fulfilling play opportunities for children by dispelling the most common myths about play safety. It also aims to educate play equipment owners and schools on the importance of the right equipment, inspection and maintenance protocols for play equipment.

Play is a fundamental part of children’s development and is crucial for physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Through play, children learn essential life skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and communication, which are vital for success later in life. In today’s tech focussed world, play is even more important for children to switch off from the digital world and express themselves freely.

According to the RPII, the top 5 most common myths about play safety are:

Playgrounds should be completely risk-free: In fact, exposure to acceptable levels of risk is vital for child development. ¹
You must supervise children at all times to prevent accidents: Children learn more when they are left to explore their boundaries. There is no blanket rule that children must be supervised at all times on play equipment in the UK and adults should assess each situation individually. ²
Adults must intervene when children play on play equipment: According to Play England, children learn to assess and manage risks through unstructured play. Overly cautious supervision or intervention can actually hinder this learning process and also potentially lead to more accidents.³
There should be no accidents on play equipment: Minor accidents are a normal part of play. These experiences help build resilience and confidence, enabling children to face challenges and setbacks in other areas of life.
Safer surfaces prevent all injuries: Some surfaces such as rubber significantly reduce the severity of some injuries, however they do not eliminate all risks. Children can still suffer from fractures and other injuries from falls.⁴

David Yearley, Chair of the RPII said: “The Play Safety Week campaign has been created to raise awareness about what play safety is in today’s world. We want to educate parents, teachers and playground owners about how to manage and maintain play equipment and what constitutes ‘safe play’.

“The campaign also celebrates our commitment to safe play for children everywhere. The UK’s playgrounds and play centres meet some of the highest standards of safety and inclusiveness in the world, and we want to keep it that way.

“By working together, we can ensure that our playgrounds remain a source of joy, discovery, and growth for all.”

Liz Cheshire, Operations Director, at the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: “At RoSPA, we fully support the Play Safety Week campaign. Play is essential for children’s holistic development, and ensuring their safety while encouraging natural risk-taking is a delicate balance.

“This campaign offers vital resources and education that can help schools, parents, and communities create environments where children can play, learn, and grow safely. Together, we can foster a culture of play that prioritises safety without stifling the adventurous spirit of childhood.”

The RPII has created a number of free assets for schools, parents and other organisations to download to help to educate parents, co-workers and playground owners with guidelines for play safety on a range of outdoor, indoor and inflatable equipment.

You can sign up to support and share the campaign directly on the campaign website website www.playsafetyweek.org.

RoSPA calls for urgent action on hidden dangers during Scottish Child Health Week

As Scottish Child Health Week begins next week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families across Scotland to take immediate steps to protect their children from three significant but often overlooked household hazards: blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates.

Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, warns: “Blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates can pose serious risks to young children, and tragically, they have caused fatalities, so we’re calling on all parents and caregivers to take action now.

“Securing blind cords out of reach, storing small magnets safely, and ensuring stair gates are properly installed and used could prevent these potential disasters.”

Blind Cord Safety

Blind cords are a hidden but deadly hazard in many homes. Since 2001, over 30 young children in the UK have died as a result of becoming entangled in blind cords. These cords, which are often within easy reach of toddlers, can lead to strangulation within seconds.

“To prevent such tragedies, it’s crucial to keep all blind cords out of children’s reach,” advises Philip.

“This can be done by tying them up, using a cord safety device, or choosing blinds with built-in safety features like tensioned or cordless designs. Additionally, parents should regularly check that cords are securely fastened and never leave furniture that children can climb on near windows with blinds.”

Magnet Safety

Small, powerful magnets, particularly those used in toys, can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. These magnets can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, leading to serious injuries such as blockages, perforations, and even death.

“Even one loose magnet can pose a severe threat if ingested,” says Le Shirley.

“Parents should be vigilant about inspecting toys for loose or missing magnets, especially in toys designed for older children that may still be accessible to younger siblings. It’s also important to keep small magnetic items like fridge magnets, building kits, and certain household tools well out of reach of young children. If you suspect a child has swallowed a magnet, seek immediate medical attention—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.”

Stair Gate Safety

Stair gates are essential safety devices for children under 24 months old, to prevent dangerous falls. However, they can only protect if installed and used correctly.

“A stair gate that is improperly installed or left open is essentially useless,” Philip emphasises. “Ensure that gates are securely mounted at the top and bottom of stairs or at the entrance to rooms and that they fit tightly without gaps. Pressure-mounted gates should not be used at the top of stairs due to the risk of displacement.

“It’s also important to teach older children and visitors how to operate the gate correctly to ensure it remains closed when needed. Regularly check the gates for signs of wear, such as loose fittings or weakened locking mechanisms, and replace them if necessary.”

RoSPA remains dedicated to reducing accidents in the home and raising awareness of these preventable dangers. For more detailed advice on keeping your children safe, visit RoSPA’s website.

RoSPA: The three items new parents need to know how to use safely

THIS Child Safety Week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has identified three products that can cause devastation if used incorrectly and urges parents and carers to skill up on the risks.

Following devastating stories in the press about babies who have died, RoSPA says there’s still more work to do when it comes to education around baby slings, nappy sacks and baby baths.

Baby slings

Baby slings have become a popular choice for parents, offering a convenient way to carry their infants while keeping their hands free. However, safety is largely dependent on the safe usage of slings.

As with all child-related products, RoSPA says it is vital to follow safety advice and manufacturer’s guidelines, and that parents should always check the instructions relating to size, weight and age. Importantly, baby slings should never be used for premature or underweight babies, as these scenarios pose a risk of death.

RoSPA advocates products that keep babies upright and allow parents to see their baby and to ensure that the face isn’t restricted. Babies should be able to breathe easily, be at a comfortable temperature, and held in positions that are healthy and beneficial for them.

The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers provides the following advice to baby sling wearers: “Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S acronym”:

Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back.

Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Baby wearing is a natural phenomenon that has been around since the dawn of time – and while we encourage people to find a way to carry and connect with their children, we are keen to highlight how to do so safely.

“We urge people to be aware of the TICKS advice and to always ensure the carrier they are using is suitable for their child’s height and weight – they should never be used for underweight or premature babies.”

Bath seats

Since 2019, RoSPA is aware of at least 5 deaths that have been reported where babies have drowned in baths using baby bath seats.

There are several bath seats and other devices on the market that enable a young child to remain seated whilst in the bathwater.

The main risk with these products is the baby being left unattended (even for short periods of time), the seat then tipping over or become detached and the baby sadly drowning.

If parents do choose to use a bath seat, they should:

always keep the child within arm’s reach
never leave the child, even for a second
do not let bath seats give you a false sense of security – bath seats are NOT safety devices

Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “A child can drown in a bath very quickly and quietly in very shallow water. This situation can be made worse by a young child’s inability to self-rescue – their heads still weigh proportionately more than their bodies compared to adults and their muscular control is not yet fully developed.

“We therefore would like to remind parents and carers that they should always stay within arms reach of their baby at all times when they are in the bath, and that it’s not safe to leave them unattended, even for a few seconds.”

For more information on bath seat safety, please see here.

Nappy sacks

Parents and carers are generally aware of the dangers posed by plastic bags, but in many cases do not make the same link to nappy sacks and so may be less likely to take the same safety precautions.

RoSPA is aware of at least 22 deaths since 2001 where a baby has been suffocated by a nappy sack. The typical scenario associated with deaths is that the nappy sacks are stored within the baby’s reach, close to the baby’s cot, including under the mattress.

This method of storage is often for the convenience of the parent or carer. In some of the cases, the nappy sacks had been left near to or in the baby’s cot for ease of changing the baby’s nappy in the night.

In many homes these loose nappy sacks are kept within easy reach of babies, under the baby’s pram, or close to the baby’s cot. In other cases, nappy sacks are left loose on the side are at risk of blowing into the cot from the wind, or being accessed by the child’s young siblings who don’t understand the risks.

Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Young babies naturally grasp at anything and put it in their mouths, and once they have grasped a nappy sack, they find it more difficult to let go. Nappy sacks are flimsy and can easily fit over a baby’s mouth or nose or into a baby’s mouth.

“Babies under one-year-old are particularly at risk of suffocation and choking from plastic sheets and bags. Once the nappy sack is over their face, they do not have the manual dexterity to remove the nappy sack, which can result in suffocation.

“We therefore advise parents and carers to make some simple changes that can increase their child’s safety, such as always keeping nappy sacks and other plastic bags away from babies and young children, and to always store them out of reach, ideally in a drawer or cupboard, and out of close proximity to cots, sleepers and prams.

“Nappy sacks should be kept in their packaging, including on a roll if supplied that way, and never stored loose”

For more information on nappy sack safety, please see here.

ROSPA: Drive with added caution amid looming cold weather

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued urgent guidance to those travelling in cold and snowy weather
Disruptive conditions are set to hit many areas of the UK
Road experts warn of increased chance of collisions

With icy temperatures and ‘disruptive’ snow hitting large parts of Britain, and parts of the UK still grappling with flooding, leading road experts The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued some vital road safety advice.

Advising on winter driving, Rebecca Guy, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England, said: “Snowy conditions can pose a real challenge for drivers so it’s worth knowing how to prepare yourself so your journey can be as smooth as possible.

“Before you set off, check the weather conditions to ensure you’re not caught out, and don’t forget to wipe off snow from the top and windows of your car. This will avoid snow falling onto your windscreen while driving and impacting your line of sight. In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.

“It’s also a good idea to leave more time than usual for your journey, and to check your tyres, fluid levels, lights and fuel or charge levels before you set off. If your journey is essential, packing some warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, some food and a drink can help you to be prepared if you do break down – and even a pair of sunglasses can stand you in good stead in case the sun comes out and reflects on the road ahead.

“If you can, try and move off in second gear and change to a higher gear as soon as possible once the car is moving. Ensure you accelerate gently and smoothly, using low revs. Ideally, stay in a steady gear and leave as much room in front of you as possible so you can maintain a constant speed – and don’t forget that stopping distance can be increased up to 10 times in snowy weather.”

Other factors to consider if driving in snow or ice:

Slow down in plenty of time before bends and corners
Braking on an icy or snow-covered bend is extremely dangerous. The centrifugal force will continue to pull you outwards and the wheels will not grip very well. This could cause your vehicle to spin
Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. You may need up to 10 times the distance for braking in good conditions
Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights

If you get stuck in snow:

If you get stuck in snow, revving your engine to try to power out of the rut will just make the rut worse. Instead, move your vehicle slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can
If this doesn’t work, you may have to ask a friendly passerby for a push or get your shovel out.

Rebecca went on to advise those encountering flood water: “The past few weeks have seen a concerning level of flooding in many areas of the UK. It is essential to have the latest information at hand to avoid roads or pathways that are submerged in water.

“Not only can a flooded car be costly, it can lead to drowning so it is important to never attempt to drive through a waterlogged area, especially If the road has been closed off.

“Before leaving the house, consider whether your vehicle really is in a roadworthy condition for extreme weather, and check its tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels.

“If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, you are more likely to break down and get stranded. Therefore, keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a long journey. If this seems unnecessary, take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight. ”

If you’re in a flooded area, it is also worth considering the following when nearing an affected road:

Avoid the deepest water – which is usually near the kerb
Don’t attempt to cross if the water seems too deep
If you are not sure of the water’s depth, look for an alternative route
If you decide to risk it, drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling
Be aware of the bow wave from approaching vehicles – operate an informal ‘give way’ with approaching vehicles.

For more information, please visit our Winter Driving Tips page here.

winter-driving-factsheet-copy_1 Download

RoSPA: Beware of button batteries this January

Following a potential influx of toys and gadgets into people’s homes after Christmas, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is reminding people of the dangers of button batteries.

While toys are required to have a secure compartment for button batteries, other items like electronic car keys, novelties and light up accessories are not. And after the UK has seen some tragic deaths and injuries in recent years, there has never been a more important time to learn about the dangers.

What are the dangers of button batteries?

When mixed with saliva, live or dead batteries release caustic soda which can easily burn through flesh.
This can burn through organs, such as from the oesophagus to the heart.
It can cause catastrophic internal bleeding, and a child might not always be able to articulate how they are feeling or that they have ingested one.
Children are particularly at risk due to having a smaller digestive tract which makes it more likely button batteries can get lodged.
If a parent or carer suspects their child has swallowed a button battery, get immediate medical attention.

What are some of the signs to look out for?

-Suddenly developing a cough, gagging or drooling a lot

– Being sick and having an upset stomach

– Pointing to their throat or stomach

– Having tummy, chest or throat pain

-Being quiet or more clingy than usual

– Having a reduced appetite and not wanting to eat.

Phillip LeShirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “The dangers posed by button batteries should not be underestimated, and RoSPA welcomes the news that Standards for Toys have been strengthened recently to reduce further the risks that button batteries pose.

“We are advising parents to be mindful that it is not just toys that contain button batteries, and to be extra vigilant.”

RoSPA: UK road safety progress has come to a grinding halt

The World Health Organisation released its Global Status Report on Road Safety
Stats show the UK has made much less progress in the last decade when compared to the decade before
RoSPA: The Government must publish its long overdue Road Safety Strategic Framework as soon as possible and set casualty reduction targets in line with other G7 countries

The United Kingdom is lagging behind other European countries when it comes to road safety progress in reducing the number of people killed on its roads.

The latest Global Status Report on Road Safety should be a wakeup call to Government, leading accident prevention charity The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has said.

RoSPA is calling for the Government to publish its long overdue Road Safety Strategic Framework which has not been updated in England since 2019.

According to the latest figures from the report^[1] and RoSPA’s analysis of recent road safety statistics^[2], the UK road safety progress has come to a grinding halt since 2010, with fatalities and injuries plateauing.

This December marks a decade of stagnation, during which we have seen a five per cent reduction in deaths across Great Britain versus a 46 per cent reduction across UK in the decade to 2010.

While road safety in the UK has stalled, overall, the European region has seen a 36 per cent reduction in road deaths.

David Walker, Head of Road and Leisure Safety at RoSPA, said: “We are seeing around 81 people killed or seriously injured on our roads every day, which is unacceptable and evidently linked to the dramatic lack of UK road safety progress over the last decade.

“We cannot and must not wait to act and urge the Government to publish its long overdue Road Safety Strategic Framework for England, and to set out casualty reduction targets that are in line with other G7 nations. Only then can we begin to address our woeful position on the road safety leaderboard.”