Abstract

Systematic data surveillance is essential for child injury prevention. Beterem- Safe Kids Israel works in partnership with the Commissioner of Standardization Administration (SA) to prevent child injuries due to hazardous products. The objective of the partnership is to collect and disseminate data to identify, raise awareness and deal with life-threatening products involved in child injury. Child injury data is collected via the National Pediatric Injury and Safety Surveillance System (NAPIS) for emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations and deaths using the Minimum Data Set (MDS) recommended by the WHO. MDS includes socio-demographics, injury type, place, activity, and product. Reports on defective products are also collected via hotline and Facebook. Hazardous products and businesses are reported immediately for treatment by SA. Data is analyzed bi-monthly and annually to report on on-going trends and issues. Specific injury areas are investigated with the SA, and in the case of recalls, published in media and reported in OECD Global Recalls portal. Overall 49% of ED visits, 67% of hospitalizations, and 63% of deaths due to child injury reported in NAPIS involve products. Distinguishing between injuries due to hazardous products as opposed to dangerous behaviors is an ongoing challenge. Prevalent products involved in injuries are building products, furniture and bicycles. Recent years have seen a surge in child injuries involving E-bikes. The birth-to-4 age group is at highest risk for product related injuries and the home and yard is the predominant place of injury. A partnership between an NGO and government agency to reduce child injury due to consumer products is viable. Data surveillance on trends, risk factors, and populations at risk related to consumer products contributes to injury prevention. Data from NAPIS supports enforcement of hazardous products and revision of regulations. Joint actions are conducted to promote safety awareness and behaviors among consumers.