Wales has a population of 2.9 million people and every year 1,100 die as a result of an injury – many of these deaths are as a direct result of an accident in the home.

There are potential hazards within every home such as hot water, household chemicals, stairs, fireplaces, matches, alcohol and sharp objects such as knives or scissors.
 
To avoid accidents and injuries in the home follow the checklist below:

	Avoid trips, slips and falls by ensuring halls and stairways are always well lit and free from clutter.
	Reduce trips, slips and falls by cleaning up spills quickly.
	To minimise the risk of falls from windows, install and use restrictor catches on all upstairs windows and place furniture away from windows.
	Change light bulbs safely, without the risk of falling by using a stable step-stool. Avoid using old chairs to climb on.
	Stay safe from fire by testing smoke alarms weekly and be sure all the family know how to escape in the event of a fire.
	Avoid fire risks by using guards with all fires and heaters and keep clothing, furniture and curtains away from all heat sources, including candles.
	Reduce the likelihood of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty flues or equipment by having gas, oil or solid fuel heating appliances professionally serviced once a year.
	Reduce the risk of electrical fires and electrocution by never using appliances with cracked plugs or worn cables. Avoid overloading electric sockets with too many appliances.
	Don’t risk electrocution by taking electrical appliances into the bathroom. Water is a good conductor of electricity so you should never touch electrical appliances with wet hands.
	Avoid burns and scalds by always using the back rings on a cooker or hotplate first, and position panhandles so that they can’t be pulled over. Keep hot drinks out of reach of children.
	Avoid bath time scalds (especially to children) by running the cold water first and carefully testing the water temperature. Children should never be left unattended.
	Poisoning or chemical burns can be prevented by storing medicines and household chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children, preferably in a secure, high-level kitchen cupboard.