Injury Prevention Starts With You

Many people agree that taking care of your own health is important. But it's also clear that our health is shaped by the world around us - like where we live, work, and play.1

Injuries are a serious public health issue because they often affect younger people and those in their most active years.2

Everyone knows that minor injuries like bumps and bruises are a normal part of life. But no matter where you are - at home, on the job, or having fun - there are simple steps you can take to help prevent more serious injuries to yourself and others.

You can prevent injuries with these basics:

  • Know the risks of your activities.
  • Safety starts at home. Make it part of your everyday life.
  • Get trained. Whatever the activity, take lessons or instruction from professionals.
  • Wear the gear. Always wear the right protective gear for your activity.
  • Make smart choices about drugs and alcohol. Being drunk or high affects your coordination and reaction time.
  • Avoid distractions. Pay attention to what you are doing.
  • Consider the environment. Weather changes quickly in Alberta.
  • Learn first-aid. Knowing first-aid can save a life.
  • Know what to do in an emergency. If something does happen, it’s good to be prepared and know what to do.

"Public health can be achieved only through collective action, not through individual endeavor alone.”

Lawrence Gostin

The stages of Injury Prevention

PREAPRE

AHEAD OF TIME

ALWAYS

MAKE SAFE CHOICES

PLAN

FOR ANY EMERGENCY

Know the risks.

Before you do any activity, whether at work, home, or play, it’s important to understand the risks involved. This means knowing what could go wrong and taking steps to avoid it.

For example, when you're a passenger in a car, you could get hurt if the car crashes. To help prevent injuries, you can wear your seatbelt, make sure the driver is sober, and avoid distracting them.

Safety starts at home.

Injuries can happen at home, so it’s important to make sure your home is safe. Keep your house well-lit, make sure walkways are clear, and check that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are working. Store dangerous items like cleaning products, sharp objects, and medications in a safe place away from kids. Teach children to be safe by showing them safe behaviours like wearing a bike helmet when out riding, and crossing the street at marked crossings. Make safety part of your everyday life.

Get trained.

Taking lessons and practicing can help you become better at activities and lower the chance of getting hurt. Examples of training include driver ed., swimming lessons, and job training to learn how to handle dangerous chemicals. The more you learn, the safer you’ll be.

Babysitter training is a great way to get kids to learn safety skills from a young age, and teaches them the basics of first aid.

Learn first-aid.

Knowing some basic first-aid can help you act fast if someone gets hurt. Learn how to treat burns, cuts, sprains, and how to do CPR. Keep a first-aid kit at home and in your car so you’re prepared in an emergency.

Wear the gear.

Using the right safety gear can protect you from getting hurt. Things like life jackets, helmets, and safety glasses can make a big difference. Take the time to learn about the safety gear you should use at home, at work, when you’re on the road, or when you’re playing.

Make smart choices about drugs and alcohol.

Drugs and alcohol can affect your ability to think clearly and control your body. Being in full control is important, especially when you’re driving, riding a snowmobile, or using other vehicles like ATVs and boats.

Avoid distractions.

Talking or texting on your phone can distract you from what you’re doing - don’t let your phone be a distraction. This is especially important when you are supervising kids. Distractions can lead to "accidents", such as car crashes, falls, burns, and cuts. Whether you’re driving, walking, or cooking, make sure you stay focused on what you’re doing.

Consider the environment.

In Alberta, the weather can change quickly and be very harsh. Always check the weather forecast before traveling, especially if there could be thunderstorms or icy roads. If the weather is bad, think about delaying your trip. In winter, it gets dark early, so if you’re walking outside at night, wear light-colored or reflective clothing so drivers can see you.

Know what to do in an emergency.

It’s important to know what to do in emergencies like fires, natural disasters, or medical situations. Have an emergency plan for your home or workplace. Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely and contact emergency services if needed.

References

1 Mittelmark, MB. The Psychology of Social Influence and Healthy Public Policy. Preventive Medicine 29, S24–S29. 1999.

2 Haddon Jr., W. Advances in the Epidemiology of Injuries as a Basis for Public Safety. Public Health Reports. 95(5): 411-421. 1980.

These Lands.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway / Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

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