Many accidents in leisure time, little awareness of danger
More accidents happen at home and during leisure time than in road traffic and sports combined. This is the conclusion reached by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) in its first "Home and Leisure" safety barometer. It analyzed accidents over the past ten years.
In her first Home and Leisure Safety Barometer the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) highlights various accident black spots in the leisure sector. Most accidents occur at home every year. Ironically, more serious accidents occur in the bathroom, for example, than in cars. Falls account for the majority of serious injuries and fatalities in the home and leisure sector (81 percent). Older people in particular are usually seriously or fatally injured in falls.
Falls down stairs could be avoided
The BFU's new safety barometer also provides information about the population's protection and risk behavior. For example, the risk of falling from a staircase can be reduced by always using the stair handrail. However, the study shows that 18 percent of 64- to 85-year-olds never make use of the handrail. Among the younger population (17- 25-year-olds), the figure is 27 percent.
However, the BFU also advises slightly older people to do regular strength and balance training. The ideal would be to train strength and balance three times a week for 30 minutes, especially from the age of 50, ideally under professional guidance. Although about half of older adults regularly practice such exercises, only a few also pay attention to endurance and regularity.
Source: AAIB/editorial office
