I suppose, to put this in context, we should carry out risk assessment for the causes of death. Out of the ten most frequent causes of death in the UK, accidental causes are tenth.
The most frequent causes of accidental deaths in the UK occur in the home and involve preventable circumstances. Here are the leading causes:
- Falls: Responsible for almost half of all accidental deaths (46%), especially among the elderly
- Poisonings: Account for about 26% of accidental deaths, with substances like drugs and chemicals often being involved
- Road Traffic Accidents: Contribute to 7% of accidental deaths.
- Drowning: Includes accidental drowning incidents in pools, open water, and other aquatic environments.
- Fire-Related Incidents: Fatalities from burns and smoke inhalation are also significant contributors
- Choking: Accidents involving choking on food or other objects, particularly among children and older adults
- Exposure to Mechanical Forces: Injuries caused by crushing, striking, or machinery are frequent in industrial settings
- Suffocation: Often linked to incidents with infants, such as unsafe sleeping environments or strangulation.
- Exposure to Dangerous Substances: Includes accidents involving hazardous chemicals or gases
- Sports and Recreational Accidents: Injuries or fatalities resulting from activities like cycling, skiing, or contact sports.
We can't train to cope with many of these, but perhaps we can train to avoid most. It is interesting to note that death caused by violent attack does not appear in the list at all (i.e. it is much more rare than any accidental cause).
Maybe more relevant is to filter this through which deaths could have been avoided easily by a means of "self rescue" and follow a persons preference for risk seeking behaviour.
1. Could be summed up by don't be a "Richard" near tall things.
And for every year over 50 re-evaluate what you consider to be a 'tall' thing.
If you are tempted to be a "Richard" - know how to tie yourself on or rappel off.
They should give lessons in old peoples nursing homes to cover this.
2. Poisonings - I'm unlikely to develop a sudden moreish penchant for sampling the worlds smorgasbord for a buffet of the worlds finest class A offerings or developing a cosplay itch to become period accurate milliners apprentice and develop Erethism.
Whilst I like the idea of a medieval food taster to follow me around especially for nights out or visiting exotic "cut-my-own-throat-mr-dibbler" foreign food stands I can't see it being something I have a budget for. This may change if a Lottery win is on the Horizon.
3. Related possible to Point 1 , Height/Gravity and Inertia/Speed being somewhat interchangeable variables in the eternal question of ' Just how much of a flesh filled sack of water am I? " Vs tarmac and sharp metal.
Don't be a Richard at speed. Vertically OR Horizontally.
( Diagonal travel is somewhat 'safe' hence the creation of Wing suits )
4. Water. Avoid. Unless a fish. or Amphibian. Chimps for reasons don't seem to like water. Read between the lines.
Rayne 1562 ;-"Water is bynding and stopping of nature, water is a very good seruaunt, but it is a cruell mayster."
5. Don't play with Matches.
George Washington 1902 " Like fire, it is a dangerous servant, and a fearful master
; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.” - potential Plagiarism alert.
6. Choking. Don't talk whilst eating ( rude ) - Eat smaller mouthfuls ( You have time - savour the flavour ) - Only eat with friends ( social ) - If you must choke - Make sure its consensual
7. Factory work was so last century. H&S police should be able to advise more specifically.
8. Rule of 3 - We need Air. Until someone finds a way to tax it. Then it will become and optional living preference tax.
9. Don't be a Richard with bottles and fluids that have many coloured warning signs.
Like modern day snakes and insects the bright colours and interesting markings are there for a reason.
10 Ahhh.. Darwin awards for some.. You roll the dice. You take your chances..
