Wearing a helmet while cycling can reduce the risk of head injury by 88%.
Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability among men under the age of 35. Using a helmet can reduce the risk, but using your head could prevent it. Preventable injuries are often caused by thinking you can get away with a risk – because you usually can. But what if, one time, you can’t. That’s what we all need to think about at play, at work and at home. Safety is a state of mind that carries throughout everything we do. It’s dangerous to think otherwise.
Helpful resources
Keep in mind that injuries don’t just happen to others. When you think you can get away with a risk, train yourself to think about the consequences of not getting away with it too. Also, because many activities involve others, try to look out for them too. We’re in it together. The following clip and links could help you and others enjoy an active life.
Brain Injuries
Doctors and physicians agree that almost all head injuries can be avoided by using a helmet. Nothing demonstrates this better than the disturbing documentary “Wipe Out” as it follows the stories of three young men living with permanent brain damage. For each of them, it was caused by a head injury from extreme sports. Through their stories, the documentary explores the science of thrill-seeking, and reveals how cultural forces and ignorance propel young men to dangerous new heights. Narrated by Olympic Gold Medalist Ross Rebagliati.
- Brain Injury Association of Canada
- BRAINTRUST Canada – Protect Your Head
- ThinkFirst Foundation of Canada – National Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Prevention Foundation
- HealthLinkBC – Head Inury, Age 3 and Younger
- Interview: Shelina Babul – Head Way: Buying the right helmet
Falls
Check out this video of Shelina Babul (BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit), about playground safety
Safe Kids Canada – Keep your kids safe at the playground
BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit – Facts on Playground Injury
Safe Start – Prevent Playground Injuries
BC Recreation & Parks Association – Playground Safety
HealthLinkBC – Playground Safety
Bicycles
Safe Kids Canada – RideSafe Tips
BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit – Preventing Bicycle Rider Injuries
ThinkFirst Foundation of Canada – Safety Information
Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition – Bike Sense: Cycling & Traffic Skills
Sports
BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit – Sports Safety
Safe Kids Canada – Got Wheels, Get a Helmet
Health Canada – In-Line Skating and Skateboarding
BC Injury Prevention Centre – Injury Free Zone
SportMedBC – Sport Safety and Injury Prevention
Drowning
Check out this video of Liana Thompson, a lifeguard, about drowning prevention
BC Hydro – Safety Around Water
Canadian Red Cross – Water Safety Information – Safety Tips
Mustang Survival – Learn more about personal flotation devices
BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit – Drowning Prevention
Safe Kids Canada – Safety around open water
Canadian Red Cross – Drowning Report
Lifesaving Society – Summer Safety
ATV
Smartrisk – Focus on ATV injuries
Canadian Pediatrics Society – Position Statement on ATVs
BC Farm & Ranch Safety & Health Association – ATV Safety
Canada Safety Council – ATV Safety
Out & About Campfires
BC Hydro – Campfire Safety Rules
British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund – Summer Safety Tips
BC Safety Authority – Learn about gas safety
Terasen Gas – Safety
Health Canada – Utility lighters are dangerous in the hands of children!
BC Ministry of Forests and Range – Stoves and Campfires
Fireworks
British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund – Halloween and fireworks safety tips
Canada Safety Council – Fireworks safety tips