The number of children-related accidents occurring on school premises is increasing annually. The Korea Consumer Protection Board (KCPB) analyzed 1,681accidents involving elementary schoolers last year filed by the Seoul City School Safety Credit Union, and found that it increased by 7.3% this year. As the grades went up so did the accident rate.

             

                                                                                                 Unit: Number of Cases (%)

 

 

                                                                                                Unit: Number of Cases (%)

 

By type of physical injuries, 'cuts (36.8%)' and 'fractures (35.5%)' mostly occurred on stairs, playground and classrooms, 'teeth injuries (41.1%)' occurred in hallways, and 'burns(34.8%)' were related to lunch kits. 

 

In regard to playground facilities on school premises, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) in December of 2004 established safety standards which benchmarked American and European standards. However, most of the facilities in elementary schools are built based on design manuals developed by schools and standards laid out by municipal education offices, thereby lacking specificity. 

 

Based on the above findings, the KCPB proposed to relevant institutions to develop educational programs and to strengthen safety education through establishing safety standards for playground facilities and analyzing the cause for accidents on school premises. 

 

Meanwhile, the 'School Accident Rates and Preventive Measures' is the first pilot project following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure children's safety between the KCP and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.