Home Safety

The horrifying statistics!!!

• Home accidents claim more than 500 lives per year in Scotland compared with 430 on the roads and 30 in the workplace.
• 19,000 people a year are admitted to hospital in Scotland following home accidents, including 4,800 children.
• In 1996 the estimated cost of home accidents to the NHS in Scotland was £186 million.
• In Highland the cost was £11,910,140, equivalent to £57.06 per head of population (2nd highest in Scotland).

Home Safety is not a statutory function, but Highland Council attempts to address the issues whenever available resources allow.

In general, TEC Services Officers will offer advice on home safety issues of concern to individuals or groups within Highland area.

In particular, Environmental Health will endeavour to address home safety issues through its input into local initiatives such as the Community Safety Strategy of the Community Safety Group, The Highland Home Safety Liaison Group and the Highland NHS Boards Injury Reduction Program.

In addition, Environmental Health maintains a wider perspective through its input into the Scottish Accident Prevention Council, the Scottish Home Safety Officers Group and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Any group or individuals with specific concerns regarding Home Safety Matters should contact their area Environmental Health Office in the first instance to determine what help and advice is available.

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