Use Of Safety Devices Research Articles

Prospective Countywide Evaluation of the Effects of Motor Vehicle Safety Device Use on Hospital Resource Use and Injury Severity

Study objective: We evaluated the efficacy of safety devices (seat belts and air bags) on hospital resource use and injury severity while controlling for variables known to affect outcome of motor vehicle crashes. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of motor vehicle crash victims who were transported to the hospital in a suburban-rural county with a population of 1.4 million. Out-of-hospital providers recorded patient demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury (based on American College of Surgeons criteria), and use of seat belts or air bags. Hospital charts were reviewed for hospital admission, length of hospital stay, ICU stay, surgery, major nonorthopedic surgery or death, and severe injury (Injury Severity Score > 15). Results: The study group comprised 1,446 motor vehicle crash victims. Median age was 30 years, 47% were male, and 69% used safety devices. The use of safety devices reduced the likelihood of hospital admission (adjusted odds ratio [OR], .67; 95% confidence interval [CI], .46 to .98), surgery (adjusted OR, .52; 95% CI, .27 to 1.01), major surgery or death (adjusted OR, .14; 95% CI, .04 to .52), and severe injuries (adjusted OR of Injury Severity Score > 15, .39; 95% CI, .19 to .83). Conclusion: The use of safety devices is associated with decreased hospital resource use and less severe injuries for victims of motor vehicle crashes who are transported to the hospital by emergency medical services providers, even after adjustment for many other variables known to affect the outcome of motor vehicle crashes. Continued efforts to promote safety device use are warranted. [Henry MC, Hollander JE, Alicandro JM, Cassara G, O'Malley S, Thode HC Jr: Prospective countywide evaluation of the effects of motor vehicle safety device use on hospital resource use and injury severity. Ann Emerg Med December 1996;28:627-634.]

Implementation, impact, and compliance with use of safety devices (SDs) to reduce percutaneous injuries during phlebotomy (PIPs): L. Short, MD, MSc, M. Chamberland, MD, MPH, P. Srivastava, MS, K. Henry, MD, J. Gerberding, MD, MPH, M. Mendelson, MD, S. Campbell, RN, MS, R. Fahrner, RN, MS, NP, R. Solomon, RN, MS, A. Collins, K. Turner-Hubbard, RN, NP, P. McKibben, D.

Implementation, impact, and compliance with use of safety devices (SDs) to reduce percutaneous injuries during phlebotomy (PIPs): L. Short, MD, MSc, M. Chamberland, MD, MPH, P. Srivastava, MS, K. Henry, MD, J. Gerberding, MD, MPH, M. Mendelson, MD, S. Campbell, RN, MS, R. Fahrner, RN, MS, NP, R. Solomon, RN, MS, A. Collins, K. Turner-Hubbard, RN, NP, P. McKibben, D.

Toward a reliable safety sensor implementation for industrial automation

This paper presents a discussion of automation/robotic safety and reliability research that is pertinent to manufacturing environments. A description of reliability work completed toward the development of safety sensors, automation aspects of systems, and control-oriented hardware/software integration techniques is included; along with an attempt to discuss potential applications of these developments within industrial environments. This discussion is to serve as: (1) a basis upon which future investigation can proceed, (2) an automation/robotic safety and reliability research primer for the education of those working with automated machinery and required to provide adequate worker protection, and (3) a resource for a national program whose responsibility is the development of engineering guidelines for the reliable use of safety devices for potentially hazardous, automated multi-purpose machinery. The final section presents considerations for future research and emphasizes the need for reliable safety systems.

Crop dusting injuries

1. 1. A considerable number of youthful pilots are permanently disabled or killed each summer as a result of crashes of low flying aircraft engaged in spraying or dusting crops. Four such cases are described. 2. 2. The Civil Aeronautics Board has the power to regulate these aerial crop control activities through its authority to license pilots and planes, to prescribe safety rules, to inspect aircraft and equipment and to require a report of all accidents. 3. 3. Some of the crashes which occur appear to be preventable and it is probable that the severity of the injuries might be reduced by more rigorous regulation. 4. 4. The following specific proposals are made for greater safety: 4.1. (a) Requirements for licensing of pilots who wish to engage in crop dusting activities should include training and experience with the low level flying maneuvers peculiar to this activity. 4.2. (b) The use of safety devices, such as a shoulder harness and crash helmet, which have proved their worth in commercial and military aviation should be made obligatory. 4.3. (c) Overloading of aircraft with chemicals should be discouraged by setting more conservative levels for authorized loads and enforcing stiff penalties for violations. 4.4. (d) Periodic mechanical inspections should be made at more frequent intervals and be irrespective of hours flown.