Safety means “freedom from hazards”. It is a state of being free from danger, threat, injury or harm. Freedom from hazards can only be achieved if these hazards are identified and removed.

Definition of Safety Education

Safety education is the acquisition of knowledge and skills for dealing with emergencies, resulting from accidents, and also preventing accidents; through early removal of hazards.

Definition of Accident

An accident is an unintended and unforeseen event usually resulting in injuries or property damaged.

Classifications of Accidents

Accidents are classified into the following areas:

1. Home/domestics accidents
2. School accidents
3. Transportation accidents
4. Work place accidents/industrial accidents.

Causes of Accidents

Home/Domestic Accidents

The causes of domestic accidents include the following:

1. Poor environment
2. Haste (Hurrying)
3. Tiredness
4. Slippery floor
5. Defective house hold utensils
6. Poor home design
7. Congestion/poor property arrangements
8. Poor lightening

School Accidents

The causes of school accidents include the following:

1. Lack of skills
2. Ignorance
3. Poor ventilation
4. Improper use of equipment and machines
5. Faulty equipment and machines
6. Dilapidated building/damaged facilities
7. Slippery play ground

Transportation Accidents

The causes of transportation accidents include the following:

1. Poor conditions of engine
2. Over speeding
3. Lack of concentration
4. Sudden loss of contact
5. Poor weather condition
6. Carelessness
7. Lack of road/route signs
8. Sudden mechanical break down
9. Dangerous overtaking

Work Place (Industrial) Accidents

The causes of work place accidents include the following:

1. Improper handling of objects
2. Carelessness
3. Fatigue
4. Disobedience of safety rules
5. Emotional upset
6. Faulty machine or gadget
7. Unsafe environments

Safety Measures Against Accidents

At Home

Safety living is an important aspect of living comfortably at home. Therefore the following safety measures should be taken at home:

1. Discard defective house hold utensils
2. Good structural design
3. Clean environment
4. Take adequate rest when necessary
5. Avoid being in haste
6. Always maintain proper arrangement at home
7. Always keep drugs and dangerous material out of reach of the children.
8. Avoid slippery floor.

On the Play Ground

The following safety measures should be taken on the play ground:

1. Check for broken sticks, bottles and stones.
2. Ensure a swampy free play ground.
3. If a playground is with grass, it should be well trimmed,
4. Do not play with defective materials, equipment/facilities.
5. Be conscious of safely rules and avoid rough play.

On the Road

The following safety measures should be taken on the road:

1. High way should be made wider.
2. Public awareness about driver’s education.
3. Existence of federal road safety corps.
4. Driving test for the issuance of driver’s license made more vigorously
5. Enforcement of traffic rules and regulations by the road safety corps.
6. More road signs that are clearly and boldly written should be installed in strategic places.

EVALUATION

1. Define (i) Safety (ii) Safety education
2. List 3 classes of accidents.
3. State five safety measures to be observed in the school.