bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF SAFETY LAWS AND THEIR ENFORCEMENT
Authors: Miller T
Published: October 2012

Background

Guidelines for economic analysis of public programs ignore issues around legally restricting behavior.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To inform evaluators and advocates about how to handle the issues.

Methods

Application of economic principles; review of benefit-cost analyses to identify methods and examples.

Results/Outcome

Laws shape or restrict personal choices. They put the common good above individual desires. Economic evaluation of public health laws can require valuing discomfort, inconvenience, reduced mobility, increased travel time, restricted freedom of choice, or lost access to accustomed pleasures. Wage gains due to impacts on education or life skills are monetary benefits distinct from the value of injury reduction. Gains foregone when enforcement prevents illegal acts, however, are not costs to wrongdoers from society's viewpoint. Whether to count wage losses that a criminal experiences while incarcerated is unclear. Estimated costs of approving mandates are 2.9%-7.1% of the first-year direct costs imposed on the public. Implementation and administration cost another 4.2%-4.6%. Enforcement and publicity affect cost and effectiveness. Evaluating safety device mandates requires estimating misuse, including civil disobedience, legal loopholes, discomfort, and unintentional misuse. Laws can have unforeseen or unevaluated consequences (e.g., risky sex reduced by a youth driving curfew). Champions of laws need to understand which savings they can spend and which costs they must fund. Other than sin taxes that generate revenue, public health laws are unlikely to ease a budget crisis in the short run.

Significance/Contribution to the field

Economic analysis can decisively influence passage and enforcement. This paper systematizes guidance for conducting those analyses.
A PUBLIC HEALTH MODEL FOR INJURY SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL: PERSPECTIVE FROM THE FIELD
Authors: Barss P , Larder A
Published: October 2012

Background

Many public health jurisdictions experience difficulty developing a public health model to rapidly detect, investigate, and control injury incidents and hazards. As a result, severe injuries and disabilities from unsafe home, work, traffic, and public environments are seldom reported to medical health officers (MHOs) and health authorities, resulting in failure of reporting and control.

Objectives

To consider roles of regional health authorities, provincial authorities and ministries, and university units in the context of the regulatory reporting framework and multisectorial ownership for public health injury surveillance and control.

Methods

Typical accountabilities, models of surveillance and control, regulations, ownership/accountability, and resources were contrasted for injury and communicable diseases (CD) at regional and provincial levels in a large Canadian province.

Results

MHOs are accountable for prescribed conditions associated with injury and illness. Unlike for CDs, there is no regulated prescribed conditions list for injury to identify and control health hazards. Hence, health authorities do not have designated injury units with licensed professionals to receive reports, monitor, and investigate injuries, and reporting of even severe incidents is rare. For CDs, licensed nurses and environmental health officers in each of five health regions monitor incidents and outbreaks of main agents, from laboratories, infection control, and physicians. MHOs are notified immediately of cases and potential outbreaks requiring action within their region of jurisdiction, as regulated by the public health act. Provincial support is available from hundreds of skilled professionals in the provincial disease control agency and laboratories; outbreaks affecting multiple regions are coordinated. CD surveillance and control are largely within the health sector, while for injury multiple sectors and accountabilities are involved.

Significance

Reporting, investigation, and control of injury hazards is limited, even in jurisdictions with advanced CD surveillance. Injury reporting, including a prescribed conditions list and associated regulations, surveillance capabilities, methodologies, and multisectorial accountabilities require development and funding within jurisdictions with MHOs accountable for control. University units provide research on issues of concern, but lack jurisdiction to replace regional surveillance and control by licensed staff, as for CDs. Provincial health authority/ministry expert support and coordination for regions is essential.
PARTICIPATORY PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT GIVES VOICE TO NON-DRIVING PACIFIC, MAORI AND ASIAN YOUTH
Authors: Ward A , Orsini A , Baggett T , Weiss H
Published: October 2012

Background

Young people have the highest crash injury risk of any age group. Highlighting use of active/public transport is an appealing solution to delaying driving among this cohort.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

We aim to create discussion surrounding transport issues that is generated and propagated by youth themselves. Our objective is to learn from the experiences of youth who use alternative means of transport, and apply this knowledge to future interventions focused on delayed driving.

Methods

Nine non-drivers aged 16–24 were recruited for a project utilising the Photovoice participatory photography method as a research/health promotion tool. Photovoice participants take photographs of their daily environment; by sharing their photos and stories, they use the power of the visual image to communicate their experiences. This method is an internationally recognised tool to advocate for policy and behaviours that reduces inequalities by giving those who don't have much decision making power a voice.

Results/Outcome

The photographs were narrowed down to a small number of self-reported favourites, and we worked with participants to write a narrative for each photo. A public photography exhibit was held, making public the issues surrounding the transport choices of this group of young people, extending their audience and giving participants a platform to be heard.

Significance/Contribution to the field

When it comes to crashes, Pacific/Maori youth suffer an increased risk. Graduated Driver Licensing policies suggest that reducing exposure to car use is an under-tapped health strategy to reduce the burden of youth road trauma. This project uniquely focuses on nondriving youth in hopes that it will also encourage their peers to drive less, avoiding this harmful exposure.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DRIVERS REFERRED BY POLICE TO VICROADS: EVIDENCE FOR INDICATORS OF DECLINING DRIVING COMPETENCE
Authors: Di Stefano M , Cai S , Williams T
Published: October 2012

Background

Cognitive and physical impairments associated with health conditions and ageing may impact on driving capacity. With no age-based mandatory assessment, VicRoads relies on self and community referrals to initiate the process of identifying and managing potentially at-risk drivers. The majority of drivers reported to VicRoads are referred by police. As there is no published research which describes police referred drivers, this is an important study.

Aims

Researchers sought to understand police referral information and the characteristics and medical review outcomes for a sample of drivers.

Methods

A retrospective data mining methodology was applied to a sample of active de-identified driver files. Data were analysed using descriptive and χ2analyses.

Results

Driver files (n=131) were reviewed and police referrals (n=141) were examined (some files had >1 referral). Average driver age was 76 years and 92% had at least one medical diagnosis. The majority of referrals (n=133) described an instigating event for example, poor driving (80%) and/or a crash (68%), with most occurring at intersections (37%) or in car parks (20%). Events were commonly associated with inappropriate/dangerous driving (62%) or failing to obey road laws (47%). The review process resulted in licence cancellation/suspension for 46% of drivers: licence withdrawal was associated with increasing age, certain medical conditions, poor driving and inappropriate driver behaviour.

Significance

Police play an important role in DLA medical review systems: results highlight (a) what triggers a review request and driver characteristics, and (b) the need to educate police and the community about indicators of declining driving competency.
SITUATION OF CHILD INJURIES IN VIETNAM AND INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Tran TNL , Luong MA , Khieu TQT
Published: October 2012

Background

Injury is one of the leading causes of death in children in the world as well as in Vietnam. Deaths-related-injury accounts for nearly 40% of all deaths in children

Objective and Method

Objective is to assess child injury situation in Vietnam and recommend some interventions.

Results

Every year Viet Nam has 334 471 cases of child injury. Of which, deaths are 7187. The overall mortality rate among children and adolescent is 23.15 per 100 000 children. The percentage of children deaths due to injury accounts for 19.63% the total mortality rate of the whole country. Children were at high risk of drowning. Specifically, those of group age 0–4 were predominant with the average rate of 22/100 000 children per year. Road traffic injury was the second leading cause of death with 1867 cases in average per year. It accounted for approximately 24–26% of the total injured children. Vietnam has developed the Nation plan on child injury prevention period 2011–2015 focusing on IEC activities on risk factors of child injury, surveillance system, pre-hospital trauma care and safe community development for children.

Significance

The research described a great number of relatively comprehensive results on child injury in Vietnam. Development of policy to reduce injury deaths requires appropriate interventional measures such as the national injury prevention plan, trauma care system or sentinel surveillance systems on determination of risk factors of injury in the community.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES 12 MONTHS AFTER INJURY
Authors: Langley J , Gabrielle D , Wilson S , Lilley R , Ameratunga S , Wyeth E , Derrett S
Published: October 2012

Background

Injury outcome studies have focused on hospitalised patients with major trauma, such as multiple injuries, and traumatic brain injury. Studies in comprehensive injury populations are rare, despite the fact that a considerable share of total disability may be attributable to patients who have never been hospitalised.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To identify the role of pre-injury socio-demographic and health characteristics, injury and injury-related healthcare in determining 12 month functional outcomes following injury.

Methods

Study participants were the 2282 in the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS) who completed the 12 month interview. Pre-injury information on independent variables potentially predictive of adverse outcomes in the future was obtained from participants at the 3 month interview. The functional outcomes of interest were the five dimensions of the EQ-5D plus a cognitive dimension.

Results/Outcomes

The percent of participants with adverse outcomes was: mobility 24%;, self-care7%; usual activities 30%; pain or discomfort 52%, anxiety or depression 20%; cognitive:16%. In multivariable models, factors adversely associated with at least three of the outcomes studied were: being female, aged 45–64, insufficient money, pre-injury disability, two or more prior chronic illnesses, smoking regularly, dislocation or sprains to the spine or upper extremities, and having a relatively severe injury.

Significance/Contribution to the field

A range of pre-injury socio-demographic factors and pre-injury health status affect risk of adverse outcomes after adjusting for the nature and severity of injury. The latter, however, also have independent effects on the risk of adverse outcomes.
CYCLING SAFETY: KEY MESSAGES OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT FORUM OF THE OECD'S WORKING GROUP ON CYCLE SAFETY
Authors: Hatfield J , Garrard J , Tørsløv N , Crist P , Houdmont A , van Damme O , Gaardbo AM , Jouannot T , Ocampo A , Malasek J
Published: October 2012

Background

Bicycles are an essential part of the urban mobility mix worldwide, and it is important to consider cycling safety to a greater extent than has hitherto been the case.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The aim of the working group was to analyse the international situation regarding bicycle use and safety, with consideration of relevant policy and practice.

Methods

Group members responded to surveys regarding the situation in their countries, and literature regarding cycling safety measures was reviewed.

Results/Outcomes

Key recommendations of the group are

• Policies increasing the number of cyclists should be accompanied by strategies to improve safety, as well as perceived safety.

• Adopting the Safe System Approach. All aspects of the transport system (policy, infrastructure, vehicles, and users) should be designed to improve cycling safety.

• Cyclists should not be the only target of cycling safety policies.

• Road networks that are accessible to cyclists should be designed to ensure high levels of safety- with particular focus on speed management and intersection design.

• Bicycle facilities should be located away from road traffic when feasible.

• Authorities should match investments in cycle safety to local contexts (eg, level and types of bicycle usage)—at a minimum.

• Authorities should set standards for, collect, or otherwise facilitate the collection of, data on cycling crashes of all severities and on bicycle usage.

• Terminology should be standardised to allow international comparisons.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Adoption of measures to improve cycling safety is critical to promoting this beneficial form of transport.
STILL TOO HOT: AN EXAMINATION OF OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE, WATER HEATERS CHARACTERISTICS AND SELF- REPORTED TESTING BEHAVIOUR IN A SAMPLE OF URBAN HOMES
Authors: Shields W , Perry E , McDonald E , Zhu J , Gielen A
Published: October 2012

Background

Tap water burns result in an estimated 1500 hospital admissions and 50 deaths in the USA annually despite national efforts to preset water heaters at the factory.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

This study reports on observed water temperature, water heater characteristics (age, size, capacity, gauge setting) knowledge and reported testing behaviours in a sample of 1033 urban homes.

Methods

Data on knowledge, self-reported testing behaviours, observed water temperature, heater characteristics and demographics were recorded as part of a home observation in a randomised community trial which aimed to improve home safety behaviours. Homes were visited between 6–9 months after a visit from the fire department to check the status of home safety behaviours.

Results/Outcomes

Hot water was observed to be above the recommended 120 degrees in 41% of homes. In a univariate analysis, electrical water heaters were statistically significantly more likely to have a safe hot water temperature than gas water heaters. In a multivariate logistic regression, water heaters with fewer gallons per person in the household were more likely to be set above the recommended 120 degrees. Knowledge outcomes varied between items ranging from 59% to 87% correct. A minority (14%) of respondents reported having tested the temperature of their tap water.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Our results suggest hot water temperatures remains at dangerously high in our urban sample despite national efforts to preset water heater to safe temperatures at the factory. This research highlights the needs for the use of passive prevention strategies such as anti-scald devices.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF SEVER BURN (EMSB) PROGRAMME: A NEW DIMENSION IN BURN MANAGEMENT OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Biswas A , Mashreky SR , Khundkar SH , Banu T , Ul Baset K , Rahman F
Published: October 2012

Background

Burn is the significant cause of mortality, morbidity and disability in developing countries. It causes longer duration of hospital stay and treatment is costly. First hour of burn is called golden hour, primary level management within this time can save numbers of lives, reduce its severity and minimise duration of hospital stay in low income country like Bangladesh.

Objectives

To discuss how the emergency management of severe burn (EMSB) course helps doctors in Bangladesh to serve the burn patient at emergency.

Methods

We have reviewed the process of introducing EMSB course for the doctors of Bangladesh and documented how it has been implementing for better serving of doctors at the primary level.

Results

EMSB is a copy right course of Australia New Zealand burn Association (ANZBA) for emergency management of burn has been introduced in 2008 In Bangladesh funded by Interplast Australia and New Zealand. ANZBA developed a group of faculty members in Bangladesh to run the course. Four hundreds doctors including plastic surgeons, paediatric surgeons, and general surgeons have trained on EMSB with 43 faculty members now being working voluntarily to run the course. Doctors are now feeling confident enough to manage the burn patient at facility. The EMSB trained doctors efficiently manage the burn disaster in 2010 in Nimtoli, Bangladesh by using their knowledge and skill.

Significance

EMSB can tremendously effect in patients survival and it can helps to minimise the disability, therefore
BUTTON BATTERIES—A HIDDEN DANGER IN EVERY HOME
Authors: Rushton M
Published: October 2012

Background

Small, powerful disc shaped batteries are used across a wide variety of consumer products. Over the last two decades or so, the range of applications has grown exponentially. It is only comparatively recently however that there has been an awareness of the potentially serious harms that can arise from accidental ingestion and inhalation. Infants and children are proving to be the most susceptible to harm. The widespread use of button batteries makes this is a global challenge.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The diverse range of products that depend on button batteries would suggest a simple ban is not feasible and reliance on a solely regulatory ‘fix’ is unlikely to fully mitigate the risks. This paper identifies the various elements that will be needed as part of an overall, effective response. It provides an introduction as a lead into further dialogue around how complex global product safety issues such as this need to be addressed.

Results/Outcome

Product safety regulators, medical practitioners, child welfare agencies and the battery industry are all responding to the challenges that this issue poses. The hazards and issues posed by button batteries will require a multi-faceted response which should involve a collaborative approach from a variety of agencies. The key to a successful outcome will be an approach that takes into account the product in terms of design, construction, labelling and packaging coupled with advice and guidance to suppliers, end users and the medical fraternity who may encounter battery related incidents.
MODIFICATIONS OF COIN CELLS WITH ANTI-INGESTION AND ENCAPSULATION DESIGN FEATURES
Authors: Midgett J , Lee D
Published: October 2012

Background

Emergency department-treated injuries caused by ingesting coin batteries have increased two-and-a-half times in the USA since 1998. Victims are usually small children. Batteries (particularly 20 mm or greater) can lodge in the oesophagus and generate hydroxide from surrounding fluids, which can produce life-threatening injuries in 2 hours. Given the widespread use of coin batteries in consumer products, a multifaceted approach to injury prevention is required.

Objective

We will demonstrate coin battery concepts that could deter ingestion or slow hydroxide formation after ingestion.

Methods

A battery with folding appendages made of sheet materials that flex outwards when the battery is removed from a device would have a greater surface area and sharper edges, which would deter ingestion. In another strategy, batteries could be insulated, sealing the battery until it is inserted into a coordinating battery compartment. This could slow or eliminate hydroxide formation. Modifications to battery compartments also may be needed. Batteries could be retrofitted for use in existing devices that lack coordinating battery compartments.

Significance

These strategies could save lives by reducing the likelihood of ingesting coin batteries or providing more time for medical intervention once swallowed. The need for consumers to retrofit batteries for their existing devices would enhance public awareness of the hazard.
COIN-SIZED LITHIUM BATTERIES POSE AN EMERGING GLOBAL BURN RISK TO CHILDREN
Authors: Carr K , Chalmers E , Weaver A , Mickalide A
Published: October 2012

Background

About 3500 button battery swallowing cases are reported to poison control centres in the USA each year and are an emerging risk worldwide. The most serious cases involve nickel-sized 20 mm lithium batteries which are found in remotes, key fobs, greeting cards, children's books, scales, and other common household items. These batteries can get stuck in the child's throat and burn through the oesophagus in as little as 2 hours. Repairing the damage is painful and can require feeding tubes, breathing tubes and multiple surgeries. In some cases, children have died.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to measure parental awareness of the danger associated with button batteries and describe prevention campaigns underway in four countries.

Methods

A total of 557 USA parents of children ages six and under were interviewed online during February/March 2012.

Results

More than two-thirds of parents surveyed (68%) feel that button batteries pose a high level of danger. After learning about this issue, parents say they are highly likely to keep devices with button batteries out of reach of children (82%) secure devices with battery compartments (79%) and encourage other parents to do the same (66%).

Conclusions

As coin-sized lithium batteries became more widely used in household products, Safe Kids Worldwide member countries have partnered on a campaign called The Battery Controlled to raise awareness and change behaviour among adult caregivers about this little-known and emerging risk to small children.
DESIGN STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE THE HAZARD OF BUTTON CELL BATTERY ELECTRICAL BURN INJURIES
Authors: Rider G , Altkorn R , Stool D , Chen X , Milkovich S
Published: October 2012

Background

Children's exposure to button cell batteries is increasing with the greater number of toys and other consumer products requiring their use. Children frequently mouth objects and may inadvertently swallow them. Ingestion of batteries or insertion into the nasal passages or external auditory canals may lead to serious injury resulting from burns caused by electric discharge.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

A variety of hazard mitigation strategies may be utilised to reduce the potential for these injuries, including decreasing accessibility of the batteries or redesign of the batteries themselves. Hazard mitigation strategies are discussed and evaluation methods presented.

Methods

Data on battery injuries is reviewed and various existing reduced hazard battery modalities are identified. Methods of assessing hazard are discussed. Comparative potential release of current between battery/housing designs has been measured using animal cadaver tissue.

Results/Outcomes

Existing designs of batteries consistently cause burns to animal cadaver tissue of varied severity depending on power and surface contact area.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Although there are problems that remain to be solved in order to economically manufacture button cell batteries and/or housings that have a reduced hazard for electrical burns, this research demonstrates that feasible solutions to this issue are possible.
PREVENTING LITHIUM COIN BATTERY INGESTION: A FIVE-PRONGED STRATEGY
Authors: Babiak M
Published: October 2012

Background

Unlike other battery chemistries, the ingestion of lithium coin cell batteries can cause serious oesophageal burns if lodged for even a short period of time. The USA battery industry is deeply concerned about the hazards presented by the ingestion of lithium coin cell batteries and has undertaken many initiatives designed to educate consumers, the medical community, and others on these dangers and to examine potential preventative measures.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Communication of a five-pronged strategy for addressing this important health and safety issue.

Methods

(1) Education/outreach, (2) battery compartment design, (3) warning copy, (4) packaging, and (5) battery design.

Results/Outcomes

Industry efforts have focused on educating consumers on the hazards associated with lithium coin cell batteries and educating the medical community on battery design features that allow for distinction between lithium batteries and actual currency in radiographic images, thereby leading to more timely and accurate diagnosis of potential ingestions. Working with device designers, appliance manufacturers, and standards development organisations, the industry supports changes to battery compartment design to reduce ease of accessibility. The industry supports efforts to evaluate potential design modifications that may reduce ingestions. While the variety of devices that rely on lithium coin cell batteries in the marketplace makes battery redesign more challenging than other areas, such modifications are also being evaluated. Changes have been advanced to strengthen warning copy and evaluate packaging options to limit the accessibility of lithium coin cell batteries.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Comprehensive approach based on learnings and actions.
HIGH RATE OF CRASHES AT ROUNDABOUTS INVOLVING CYCLISTS CAN BE REDUCED WITH CAREFUL ATTENTION TO CONFLICT PATHS
Authors: Cumming B
Published: October 2012

Background

Victoria has a high rate of cyclist involvement in crashes at roundabouts (whole state, 24%; inner suburban, 49%.

Aims

Why are cyclists involved in so many roundabout crashes? What can be done to improve cyclist safety?

Methods

A literature review in relation to roundabouts and cyclist safety leads to discovering the relevance of ‘looked-but-failed-to-see’ phenomenon. All crashes at roundabouts in Victoria (2004–2009) are analysed. Lane positioning of 130 commuter cyclists through roundabouts is observed and typical paths mapped.

Results

Roundabout crashes involving cyclists are 81% entering-circulating. Cyclists observed: none enter centred in the lane and stay there. Predominant behaviours are: 62% ‘straight-lining’ from kerbside to near the island, then back to kerbside—allowing higher speeds; and 32% ride near the outer edge from entry to exit. Resultant conflict path map is more complex than that of cars (assumed to be the working assumption of drivers). Cyclists reduce their chances of being overlooked if they are located where drivers look for cars—in the middle of the lane. Roundabout bicycle lanes (although they may assist comfort) position cyclists away from where all drivers can be assumed to look, so probably reduce cyclist safety.

Significance

A new design is proposed which cues cyclists to enter and ride through roundabouts the middle of lanes; warns drivers that cyclists will be there; and slows cars for safe cyclist merging. Aspects of this design have been implemented by several councils. Reduction of cyclist roundabout crashes means a reduction in all roundabout crashes.
ENERGISER'S APPROACH TO LITHIUM COIN CELL BATTERY INGESTION
Authors: Babiak M , Cooper P
Published: October 2012

Background

Upon seeing a shift in severity of injuries associated with lithium coin cell battery ingestions, Energiser sought to understand the mechanism of injury with the ingestion of these battery types through experimentation. Upon understanding the mechanism of injury and why the response for lithium coin cell batteries is different than that for other battery chemistries, Energiser communicated this understanding to the overall battery industry and U.S. medical community and started work in five areas.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Communicate the technical explanation of the mechanism behind the injury to a global audience and present work-to-date on the five areas.

Methods

Energiser's work to-date focuses on five areas: (1) warning copy, (2) battery compartment design, (3) packaging, (4) battery design and (5) communication and outreach.

Results/Outcomes

Injury occurs due to hydrolysis and generation of high pH and solutions that may minimise or eliminate the risk of injury following ingestion.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Provides root-cause analysis to facilitate hazard reduction.
RESIDENT ADVOCACY TO MITIGATE HAZARDS OF BUTTON BATTERY INGESTIONS
Authors: Maule KL , Harisiades JP
Published: October 2012

Background

In collaboration with selected faculty, the Office of Child Advocacy supports resident education in advocacy and mobilised an evidence-based response to mitigate hazards of button battery ingestions.

Objectives

We aimed to improve industry standards on battery and product manufacturing and labelling and to raise awareness of the dangers of button battery ingestions.

Methods

Over 18 months, the resident leadership catalysed state and national advocacy. We created a national coalition of clinical, consumer, legislative, and industry advocates and collectively developed interventions to increase regulatory, commercial, public and physician awareness for improved industry standards.

Results

We presented relevant information to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) following expert testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee that identified button batteries as an emerging safety hazard. With the support of the CPSC, Underwriters Laboratory and the American Society for Testing Materials are collaborating to create an all-encompassing industry standard to improve battery and electronic product safety. Engineers are developing battery and product redesign. We mobilised support for a Senate appropriations bill requiring the CPSC to promulgate a mandatory safety standard for button batteries. The Illinois State Attorney General released the 2011 Safe Shopper's Guide highlighting button battery hazards to children. Traditional and social media outlets were utilised to improve awareness, including the Battery Controlled campaign launched by Safe Kids Worldwide and Energiser.

Significance

Resident mentorship can cultivate leadership in advocacy across the trajectory of training and lifelong learning.
COIN BATTERY MODIFICATION TO PREVENT GASTROINTESTINAL INJURY FROM CURRENT FLOW
Authors: Baum EM , Baum CR
Published: October 2012

Background

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that battery-related injuries are increasing as small button or coin batteries become more prevalent in households. Since 1985, severe injuries and fatalities from these batteries have increased sevenfold. Young children and senior adults can swallow batteries, which may become lodged in the oesophagus, allowing electrical current to cause burns and haemorrhage.

Objectives

We propose a modification of a standard coin battery to prevent current flow once removed from the battery compartment of a device.

Methods

A modification of a standard coin battery allows current flow only when the battery compartment depresses a spring-loaded interlock mechanism on the surface of the battery. Once depressed, this mechanism connects the external shell to the sealed internal electrode. When the battery is removed from the compartment, the spring loaded mechanism returns to its normal state and disconnects the electrode from the external shell.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

We believe that a modification of standard coin battery design would eliminate current flow outside of the battery compartment, and therefore would limit gastrointestinal injury if swallowed and lodged in the oesophagus.
BUTTON BATTERY INGESTION AND INSERTION BY CHILDREN—AN INTERNATIONAL APPROACH TO AN EMERGING DANGEROUS INJURY
Authors: Chalmers E
Published: October 2012

The Seminar will include a variety of presenters, on behalf of

• Product safety regulators—USA, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan

• Community organisations—Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids USA, Safe Kids Canada, Safekids NZ, Kidsafe in Australia

• Paediatricians will outline the nature and consequences of ingestion or insertion

• Research—Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit; Safe Kids Worldwide and Fleishman; Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Each presenter will outline a brief summary of issues and implications from their work in the area.

Background

Extensive cooperative work is being undertaken internationally at regulatory, community and industry levels to address this emerging cause of severe injury. This, like many developing issues, is complex. The problem arises from the misuse of batteries (often unnoticed) by young children who were never intended to have access to them; community awareness is very low; data is difficult and misdiagnosis easy; the result can be catastrophic and deadly; containing the risk is complex.

Aims/Objectives

The Seminar will address all three themes for the Conference and provide a round table discussion on the issue; lessons from work to date; and next steps in addressing the trends internationally—to synthesise the issue and consider the implications for ongoing efforts.

Structure of Seminar

• Introduction and outline

• Outline of the Battery Controlled Programme and history

• Input and implications from research

• A medical profession perspective

• Industry issues and actions

• Community awareness campaign

• Regulatory responses

• Summary and conclusion

Results

The Seminar will demonstrate

• How Governments, the medical profession, researchers, community groups and industry are working together to find practical solutions to the issue and benefits of this approach;

• A variety of research issues; work to overcome these; and how research has been put to immediate use in the Programme;

• Development of a successful awareness Programme and how this has started to be transported across countries and cultures;

• The process of addressing complex regulatory and standards issues impacting many areas.

Significance

The Seminar' significance lies in

• Demonstration of the capacity to address emerging issues quickly when regulators, community organisations, researchers and industry work together

• An international opportunity to consider progress in addressing this emerging risk to children and the key next steps.
REDUCING ALCOHOL RELATED HARM IN WELLINGTON
Authors: Bareta G , Gabites L , Steel R
Published: October 2012

Background

Wellington City is regarded as the entertainment hub for the Wellington Region and has over 300 licensed premises in the entertainment precinct of the city. Alcohol related harm reduction has been a focus of attention by the city as part of a commitment to our International Safe Community status. Alcohol is a significant contributor to violence, disorder, road trauma and injury in the city.

Over the past 18 months stakeholders concerned about alcohol related harm in the city have worked collaboratively to address the issue. This presentation will talk about a range of initiatives that have been put in place.

Aim

The reduction of alcohol related harm in the night time economy in Wellington City.

Method

A licensee forum and charter has been established advocating all stakeholders, including licensees, being part of the problem identification and the development and implementation of solutions. Other projects include the establishment of ambulance triage service in the entertainment precinct, the development of a social marketing campaign and a CPTED audit and implementation of recommendations in the main entertainment area.

Results

Public place violence has reduced in the central city by 9% in the 2010 year. Transportations to the Emergency Department by the ambulance service have been reduced from the entertainment precinct. Public perception of the feeling safe in the CBD after dark has increased from 33% to 75% in the last 10 years.
SAFER BARS: REDUCING VIOLENCE IN AND AROUND LICENSED PREMISES
Authors: Stevely S , Costello D , Ashe M
Published: October 2012

Background

The Safer Bars programme, developed in Canada in the late 1990's, resulted in a 30% reduction in violent incidences in bars where it was trialled in Canada. The Injury Control Council of WA (ICCWA) ran a successful pilot with venues in the entertainment precinct in the City of Vincent.

Aim

To work with licensed venues to implement changes to reduce the incidence of violence, aggression and injury by improving staff skills in communication within their staff groups and between staff and patrons.

Method

The methodology of the programme was primarily centred around a delivered training package and observational audits at 3, 6 and 12 month intervals. Police offence data was also recorded early in the project to identify a baseline and then again intervals post initial training.

Outcome

The programme yielded positive results, recorded very high satisfaction rates and positive learning outcomes by participants. In particular, the module ‘Responding to Problem Situations’ was the highest rated training module with 93% of participants saying that they found it useful or extremely useful. This is very encouraging for the programme as this is one of the central aspects of Safer Bars.

Significance

Safer Bars is an effective measure to reduce alcohol related crime and violence in and around licensed venues.
ILLICIT AND BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS USE AMONG FATALLY INJURED DRIVERS IN URBAN AREAS OF KUALA LUMPAR
Authors: Mohamed N , Ameer-Batcha W , Abdullah NK , Yusoff F
Published: October 2012

Background

Driving under the influence of drugs is one of the well-documented risk factors for road traffic fatality. To date, in Malaysia there is no published report on the incidence of fatally injured driver who involved in road crashes positive for illicit and medicinal drug.

Aim/Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of illicit and benzodiazepine drugs use among fatally injured drivers who involved in road traffic crashes.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted based on post mortem and toxicological files retrieved from the Department of Forensic Medicine, at a local hospital in urban area of Kuala Lumpur.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-one (391) fatally injured drivers were eligible for analysis of drugs use. The study revealed that the incidence of fatal drivers positive for illicit drugs use was 10% with opiates group at the top of the list (5.4%) followed by amphetamines (2.8%), cannabis (1.02%) and ketamine (0.8%). For medicinal drug, benzodiazepines group was at the top of the list (6.9%) followed by anti-histamine (0.8%) and anti-epileptic drug (0.3%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

These findings highlight the need to focus on prevention activities related to driving under the influenced of illicit drugs as part of the overall strategies for road safety prevention. For Benzodiazepine drug, this finding carry very important message for prevention of crashes especially to the medical practitioners that used to prescribes benzodiazepines to their patients. Special emphasise on the choice of short, medium and long acting benzodiazepines drugs and warning regarding its impact on a person's ability to drive safely need to be given to their patients. This is truly important, as driving under the influenced of benzodiazepines drugs cannot be enforced at the roadside.
IMPACT OF ‘SAFE COMMUNITY’ MODEL IN SUICIDE PREVENTION IN JAPAN
Authors: Shiraishi Y
Published: October 2012

Background

With serious situation of having over 300 000 cases (around 24 per 100 000 people) of suicide yearly, the Japanese national government established the Basic Act on Suicide Prevention in 2006. Accordingly, local governments have developed policies and programmes to solve the problem. However, the serious situations haven't been improved. Meanwhile, the concept of Safe Community (SC) is drawing attention as another possible. Currently, all communities which have introduced the SC model set up suicide prevention as one of their priorities.

Objective

Considering that those communities are expecting influence of SC model on suicide prevention, this study examines impact of SC programmes on situations surrounding suicide.

Methods

Document investigation was conducted at six communities to grasp profile of suicide from the quantitative aspect. In addition, observation research was conducted to see qualitative influence in these communities.

Results

Research showed that there has been a variety of programmes at national, prefectural, municipal and private levels. However, programmes are operated independently with limited linkages among relevant organisations and service providers. There is difficulty in operate programmes effectively and efficiently in the current situations. However, by launching SC programmes, relevant organisations became linked each other, share information, work in collaboration, and set up indicators to assess programmes and influence on suicide prevention.

Significance

SC strategies provide relevant organisations and service providers with environment in which they can share problems, support each other and work in collaboration, which integrate different activities/services into one comprehensive programme and operate their endeavours in P-D-C-A (Plan-Do-Check- Act) cycle.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM THE EVALUATION OF AN INTERNET–BASED DEPRESSION TREATMENT PROGRAMME (RID TRIAL) IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Nada-Raja S , Knightbridge K
Published: October 2012

Background

Depression is a major risk factor for self-harm and suicide, and a leading cause of disability. Many people who experience depression do not come to the attention of health services. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is effective in managing depression, however, few CBT therapists, limited access and high cost are significant barriers to accessing CBT.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To evaluate proven internet-based interactive and personalised CBT and depression literacy (DL) programmes from Australia in terms of their effectiveness in reducing depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and self-harm, and enhancing quality of life in the general population.

Methods

A national, exclusively web-based trial (http://www.otago.ac.nz/rid) was conducted with over 700 participants who were randomly assigned to a CBT, DL (interventions) or control group. After completing a baseline mental health survey, they worked through a 4-week programme (intervention or control) followed by an immediate survey on their mental health. Then they completed online mental health surveys at 6 monthly intervals until 24 months had elapsed.

Results/Outcomes

Many participants reported that they did not have a preference for which of the three trial groups they would be randomly assigned to and gave altruistic reasons for taking part in the trial. Results will be presented on the immediate impact of the online interventions on mental health and well-being.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The initial findings are relevant to the Government's new national strategy to implement online psychological therapies in the general population and thereby provide a wide range of suitable mental health treatments for consumers.
SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA: PATTERNS, PLANNING AND SIGNIFICANT ASSOCIATIONS
Authors: Wilson M , Dunlavy A
Published: October 2012

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of mortality among adolescents. Low-income country settings are characterised by a lack of data on suicidal behaviours.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

This study examined correlates for suicidal ideation (SI), and suicidal planning (SP), among a sample of adolescents in low-income sub Saharan setting.

Methods

Data were derived from the 2006 Global School-Based Health Survey. Information was included on 2154 students (52% female) ages 11–16 years. Three groups were created: those with no suicidal behaviour/controls (N=1869); suicide ideation/SI (N=149); and those with a plan to carry out a suicide attempt/SP (N=136) each within a 12-month period. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were carried out using Stata 12 for Linux.

Results/Outcome

After controlling for covariates, participants reporting SI were more lonely (RRR=2.33; CI 1.36 to 4.01), depressed (RRR=2.26; CI 1.56 to 3.27), and substance users (RRR=1.97; CI 1.12 to 3.48). A close relationship with parents was protective (RRR=0.52; CI 0.31 to 0.86). Those who reported SP were younger (RRR=0.74; CI 0.62 to 0.90), less poor (RRR=0.53; CI 0.29 to 0.98) and more likely to be lonely (RRR=2.76; CI 1.55 to 4.90) and depressed (RRR=3.98; CI 2.71 to 5.86). Tobacco (RRR=2.15; CI 1.22 to 3.78), illicit substance use (RRR=1.99; CI 1.10 to 3.60) and over-protective parents (RRR=2.15; CI 1.07 to 4.31) were associated with increased SP. Respondents without friends were more likely to report SP (RRR=3.68; CI 2.22 to 6.08).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Our findings provide an important first look into suicidal behaviour among adolescents in Tanzania. These results should be used to inform mental health promotion efforts and strategies within the region.
NEW ZEALAND ESTIMATES OF THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COST OF WORK-RELATED INJURIES
Authors: Poland M , O'Dea D , Wren J
Published: October 2012

Background

Work-related fatal and serious non-fatal injury rates in New Zealand are static and a number of prevention initiatives are being developed. The Department of Labour's State of Workplace Health and Safety 2011 report presents three different estimates of the cost of work-related injury ranging from $1.35 billion to $20.9 billion. A consistent estimate is required.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To develop an agreed estimate of the cost of work-related injury that can be applied consistently.

Method

The New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy (NZIPS) estimate of the total social and economic cost of injury provides a conservative estimate of work-related injury that can be compared over time. Furthermore it allows the costs of work-related injury to be placed within the context of total costs from injury.

Results/Outcome

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment now has an estimate of the cost of work-related injury based on an agreed methodology. The total cost is NZ$1.0 billion. This comprises of $236 million of treatment and rehabilitation costs, $462 million of lost economic contribution and $349 million of human costs. Work-related injury makes up 10% of the total costs of injury.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The NZIPS estimate will be used in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's injury prevention work and offers the opportunity to improve consistency across government with regard to injury prevention investments.