School accidents during a three school-years period in a Swedish municipality

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the scope and nature of accidents that occurred at school as a basis for countermeasures. There were a total of 204 school accidents during the three school-years period, causing 222 injuries. Accidents during breaks and physical education were most common (85%). Fractures (24%), wounds (21%), sprains/strains (15%) and dental injuries (14.5%) were the dominating types of injuries. The site of injury was most commonly the upper extremity (22%), head and neck (18.5%), and lower extremity. Accidents during breaks dominated in age-group 7-12 years, while sports accidents were most common in age-group 13-19 years. Surveillance of school accidents on the municipal level is needed as a base-line for countermeasures as well as the evaluation of their effects.