Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) improves the health of British Columbians by seeking province-wide solutions to specialized health care needs in collaboration with BC health authorities and other partners.
More than three million Canadians are seriously injured each year. Most injuries are preventable. It's important to safeguard yourself and your family from hazards found in your everyday environment.
Our homes, backyards and play areas all hold hazards that can cause injuries.
Babies rely on their caregivers to keep them safe from injury. There are many things you can do to keep your baby safe from everyday hazards, both inside and outside the home.
Injuries account for more child deaths in Canada than from all diseases combined. Most injuries are predictable and preventable. Many occur in places where you think your child is safe, such as in your home or backyard.
There are many things you can do to keep your child safe from everyday hazards at home, school or play.
As you age, changes in your physical or mental function can increase the risk for injuries in your daily environment. Your risk of injury can also increase if you are taking medications for health conditions. There are steps you can take to make your home safer.
Preventing falls in older adults (HealthLinkBC)
Please note: The health information provided here is general and appropriate for most people, most of the time. Wherever possible, resources are also provided to address the health needs of specific populations, including people living with a chronic health condition, indigenous people and LGBTQ individuals. Check with your health care provider to determine the health recommendations and resources that are right for you.
Falls can cause serious injuries that result in lifelong disability or death. Young children and older adults are particularly at risk for falls.
There are many things you can do to reduce the risk of falls for everyone in your family. The links below provide falls prevention resources for the most at-risk age groups.
Young children love to explore, but they can't always understand and recognize danger. This increases their risk for serious falls, such as falling down the stairs or falling from an open window. It's important to safeguard your child from falls, both inside and outside the house.
As you age, changes in your physical or mental function can increase the risk for falls. You may be more at risk if you are taking medications for health conditions. Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults.
You can reduce your risk of falls by reducing hazards in your home and working on your balance and strength.
Sports are great for physical health and wellness. However, they can also be a source of injury. It's important to understand and guard against the risk of injury when you play sports. Injury prevention may include using special clothing or safety equipment when playing sports.
The resources below provide links to sports injury prevention at different stages of life.
Sports help children & youth stay active and healthy. As a parent, you can't protect your child from every sports injury, but you can help them to participate as safely as possible.
Simple strategies, such as warming up before you play and wearing the correct shoes for your sport, can go a long way to help you avoid being sidelined by injury.
Safety and injury prevention (Healthy Families BC)
CATT Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Players, Parents and Coaches (BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit)
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