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In order to establish the type of accident to which various age and sex groups are
particularly prone it is necessary to combine the data in Table I with the facts revealed
in the table set out above—the results for 1955 are set out in Table II.
In the case of falls, which are the most numerous type of fatal home accident (58 per
cent.), it will be seen that they occur almost wholly among older people, that as many
as 90 per cent, relate to those aged over 65 and that 65 per cent, of the total falls are
among women of this age group. In fact 38 per cent, of the total fatal accidents are falls
among women aged 65 and over. It is interesting to note that an inquiry into accidents
occuring to patients in hospital conducted recently showed that out of 653 accidents
during the years 1953 and 1954, 86 per cent, were attributable to falls and they were
more common in patients over 60 years of age.
The second most frequent cause of death—coal-gas poisoning (13 per cent.)—again
affects the aged most (68 per cent.). Burns account for 10 per cent, of the total and again
the bulk (58 per cent.) are among those aged 65 and over. It will be noted, however,
that in the younger age groups, particularly among children from 5-14 there is a
preponderance of female deaths from burns—this may well be due to the differences in
clothing—it is unlikely that fashions can be altered, but more attention might be paid to
the flammability of materials used in dresses and especially night-dresses. It would be
of assistance if these garments and party frocks had to be clearly labelled so that the
purchaser would accept them knowing the risk. It seems clear also that pyjamas, though
it may be that they are more costly than nightdresses of similar material, are safer in
design than nightdresses which because of the long full skirt are a considerable hazard.
It is also relevant to note that during the four years 1952-55 there were 70 prosecutions
under the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, as amended by the Children and
Young Persons (Amendment) Act, 1952, in cases where a child under 12 was seriously
injured or killed as the result of an unguarded fire. It still does not seem to be widely
known that any person over the age of 16 years becomes criminally liable, should a child
under the age of 12 years be killed or sustain serious injury as a result of burns whilst in
their care in any room containing an open-fire grate or any heating appliances liable to
cause injury to a person by contact.
In its new dwellings in recent years the Council has provided adequate fireguards for
gas and electric fires, but many fires of earlier installation arc only provided with dress
guards which do not now conform to British Standard Specification. Only very few
accidents on the Council's estates have been reported over a period of very many years
which might have been prevented by adequate guards. A circular has been sent to all
tenants by the Director of Housing drawing their attention to the statutory position and
pointing out that tenants should ensure that risks are not taken through the absence
of adequate fireguards. In connection with the new British Standard Specification for
guards for solid fuel fires introduced in November 1956, the Ministry of Housing and
Local Government has recently drawn the attention of all housing authorities to the
importance of providing suitable fixtures for fireguards in Council houses. Now that it is
possible to have standard guards it is proposed to make provision for fixings for these
in the Council's dwellings now under construction and in future schemes.
Fatal cases of domestic carbon monoxide poisoning still occur from time to time.
It is dangerous to use a stove in a confined space, even though it is in good order with a
clear chimney and coal of good quality is used, unless adequate positive ventilation is
ensured at all times, whether doors and windows are closed or not. Similarly, danger may
arise from gas fires even if they are in perfect order and appear to be burning satisfactorily
if there is not adequate ventilation and extraction of the products of combustion.
The Gas Council and the Gas Boards take a lively interest in home safety both from
the point of view of improving the design of their apparatus and also of the maintenance
of existing apparatus, especially where old and handicapped people are concerned.
Representative members of the Council's staff concerned with home safety from all
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