Child-environment supervisors--a new strategy for prevention of childhood accidents

This paper is a provisional report from an ongoing field experiment in Uppsala, Sweden, with the aim to reduce the number of serious childhood accidents. Groups of parents have been systematically trained to function as child-environment supervisors. The experiences have been very positive so far. The child-environment supervisors have proved to possess good knowledge about how to prevent accidents. A large number of hazards have been detected and successfully eliminated. The groups are now taking an active part in the planning of new housing estates. The findings also indicate that the Child Health Organization should be able to play a more active role in the work of environmental improvement for the safety of children. A suggestion for a collective strategy for such activity has been worked out.