Are schools safer for children than public places?

OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency and severity of accidents to children in schools. METHODS Retrospective analysis of accidents occurring in school over a six month period and resulting in attendance at an accident and emergency department. Comparison was made with accidents occurring in public places, RESULTS During the study period there were 127 school and 251 public place accidents causing fractures or dislocations requiring hospital treatment in 3-16 year old children; 22.4% (127/567) of all injuries at school resulted in fractures or dislocations, as opposed to 20.8% (251/1197) of those sustained in public places. CONCLUSIONS Injuries at school are a cause for concern as they occur in a supervised environment and this should be the target of accident prevention measures.