Head injury, minor
Many head injuries are the result of accidents that are difficult to predict or avoid.But there are ways to reduce your risk.
Cyclists and motorcyclists can protect their heads by wearing a properly fitting safety helmet. British Standard safety helmets are a legal requirement for motorcyclists.
Research commissioned by theDepartment for Transport found bicycle helmets "should be effective at reducing the risk of head injury".
However, it's difficult to know the benefit of cycle helmets for certain. This is because data about road accidents involving cyclists may not contain all of the relevant information.
For example, the data may not explain where exactly the head injury occurred, which makes it difficult to determine whether a helmet might have prevented the injury.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE),The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and theWorld Health Organization (WHO) all support the use of cycle helmets, and suggest they may help reduce head injuries.
As well as wearing a helmet when cycling, you should also make sure both you and your children:
Advicethat will helpkeep your home and garden as safe as possible includes:
For more information, see the RoSPA website.
It's not possible to childproof your home completely.But you can take steps to keep toddlers and young children safe at home:
For example, you may have to wear a hard hat when working in potentially hazardous areas.
Only use ladders in a workplace environment for short-term light work. Any work that requires spending a considerable amount of time at height or involves heavy lifting should be carried out on scaffolding or another suitable platform.
TheHealth and Safety Executive (HSE) provides more information about the correct use of ladders in the workplace, including a list of common tasks that involve working at height.
Any work that involves going up on to a roof should also be considered high risk, andhigh standards of safety are thereforeessential.
Wear any necessary safety equipment when playing sports, particularly contact sports. Don't play any contact sports for at least three weeks after a minor head injurywithout talking to your doctor first.
Information and advice about minor head injuries, including the typical symptoms and what to look out for, plus how minor head injuries can be treated and prevented.
Information and advice about the symptoms of a minor head injury, plus the signs of serious head injury and when to seek immediate medical attention.
Information and advice for adults and children about what to do after a minor head injury and when to seek medical attention.
Information and advice about preventing head injuries, including the use of safety helmets, childproofing your home, and safety at work and while playing sport.