National Safety Month

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44 and the leading cause of disability for people of all ages (CDC, 2016). June is considered National Safety Month, so let’s take this time to make a difference and spread the word about ways to stay safe, reduce risk and prevent injuries.

Important safety issues include:

Safety Knowledge

POISONING

Poisoning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury related death for all ages (National Safety Council (NSC), 2023). The most common poisoning is from prescription drugs, particularly opioid pain medication. Other forms of poisoning can include such things as radon gas, lead poisoning, carbon monoxide, household products (chemical cleaners) and batteries (serious injuries and death from button batteries have increased nine-fold in the last decade) (NSC, 2015).

Prevention

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES

Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death overall. Impaired driving, distracted driving and speeding are all factors that influence accidents. Everyone has a role in making our roads safer. Don’t TEXT and drive.

Safer drivers equal safer roads. The cost of a single accident could be catastrophic. A defensive driver safety program can reduce risk and keep people safer on the road.

FALLS

Falling is another cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all age groups, but it's the No. 1 cause of death for those 71 and older (NSC, 2023).

Prevention

CHOKING AND SUFFOCATION

Suffocation is another cause of unintentional injury-related death over all ages.

Prevention

DROWNING

Not including boating incidents, about 10 people drown every day. It's the fifth leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all ages. Children ages 1 to 4 are at high risk, mostly from children falling into pools or being left alone in a bathtub (NSC, 2015).

Prevention

FIRES AND BURNS

Fire is the sixth leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all ages. Often fires start at night, when family members are asleep. A working smoke alarm will cut the chances of dying in a fire in half (NSC, 2015).

Prevention

NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENT

Weather-related disasters claim hundreds of lives each year. Disasters include earthquake, flood, hurricane and tornados. NSC (2015), encourages families to learn all they can about emergency preparedness, and always have an emergency kit on hand.

Safety Training

FIRST AID

Learning basic first aid and CPR gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to act in an emergency situation. An injury can happen anywhere, anytime. With first aid knowledge you can create a safe work and home environment.

Facts to consider:

· 25% of all ER visits can be avoided with basic first aid and CPR

· Sudden cardiac arrest represents 13% of all workplace deaths

· 75% of heart attacks happen at home (NSC, 2015).

Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR and AED training classes are available at Jackson College. If interested in gaining these skills search under Patient Care Certificate in Jackson College available programs. Class number is HOC 110.

CAMPUS SAFETY

If you encounter an emergency while on campus ALWAYS CALL 911 FIRST. The Safety & Security Department is the campus security authority responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the College community, buildings and property. Its officers enforce campus safety and security regulations, including parking regulations. In case of emergency, Campus Safety and Security officers are responsible for implementing emergency procedures at Jackson College. The office coordinates with local law enforcement agencies as needed. The Office of Campus Safety and Security Services is located in the Jets Hanger.

References