Keeping our little ones safe and well is an ever-present concern for parents. From child-proofing the home to teaching them about road safety, we do what we can to protect them. Accidents, however, do happen, no matter how much we try to prevent them.

In this guide, we look at some of the common causes of personal injuries that can affect families and offer safety tips and advice on the support available.

Personal injuries in the home

At home is where many of us feel the safest, but unfortunately this is also where accidents are most likely to occur – but many of these can be prevented with proper checks and sensible precautions.

Carbon monoxide and boiler safety

As we move into autumn and fire up the central heating again, it’s important to check your boiler is in safe working order.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a very serious, and even fatal consequence of a boiler that is faulty, and the NHS estimates that around 200 people are admitted to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

An annual boiler service can ensure you keep the family safe while keeping the home warm and cosy.

Electrical safety

Electricity is such an integral part of our everyday lives that it can be easy to forget the risks. Campaigning charity, Electricity Safety First, estimates that approximately 19,300 accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity and ONS reports that about 70 people die and 1.2 million are injured in electrical accidents at home every year.

You can keep the family safe with these top tips:
• Don’t use appliances with damaged or worn flexes
• Don’t overload electrical sockets
• If using electrical blankets, make sure they are serviced and checked regularly
• Have your wiring checked every five years
• Look for the CE mark when purchasing electrical appliances

Road traffic accidents

According to Brake, in 2018 there were 1,784 people killed on the roads in Britain and 25,511 people were seriously injured. Whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle with the family, it’s important to keep road safety front of mind.

Teaching children about road safety from a young age can go a long way to keeping them safe as they get older. Practise the Green Cross Code with your children whenever you cross the road.

When driving as a family, ensure everyone is wearing a seatbelt, eliminate distractions and always keep to the speed limit.

Accidents in public places

Accidents in public places happen every day in the UK, with children and the elderly being particularly susceptible to slips, trips and falls.

If someone in your family suffers an accident in a supermarket, shop, a car park, a restaurant or another public place, it’s important you report the accident immediately to the property owner or a member of staff. Be sure to gather as much evidence to prove that another party was at fault in case you wish to pursue a personal injury claim and make sure they make a written note of your report.

Disclosure – this is a guest post. Thompsons Solicitors is a personal injury law firm that stands up for the injured and mistreated. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, our lawyers can help you make a personal injury claim for compensation, ensuring you also have access to rehabilitation services as part of your recovery. Free images from Unsplash.