The report "Injuries in the European Union - Statistics Summary 2003 -2005" launched at the beginning of April shows that injury is one of the biggest threats facing Europe today.
The findings highlighted in the report unveil an underestimated reality: in Europe, hundreds of thousands people die every year of injuries and millions become disable.
In fact, every two minutes someone dies of a fatal accident in the EU and another 228 people are injured.
With about 250,000 fatalities each year in the European Union, injuries represent the fourth major cause of death in the EU. Only cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diseases of the respiratory system claim more lives.
While the magnitude of the injury epidemic is alarming, the location of the vast majority of injuries may cause even more concern. EU citizens are more at risk of being injured either at home or during leisure time activities than in any other location. 80% of all injuries happen in other locations than roads or workplaces.
According to the current injury data at EU27 level, the new report provides indicators which are necessary for assisting safety programmes in the public health as well as other domains like traffic, work, welfare, youth, sport, housing etc.
The press release, Report and also a Fact sheet on injuries in the EU are all available on Eurosafe website.
For further information
EPHA related articles
Community strategy for improving health and safety at work
The European Child Safety Alliance (ECSA) evaluates the performances of 18 European countries on child and adolescent safety
EPHA report: Health in the EU Open Method of Coordination Process
Home Safety Campaign: protecting children from injuries
European Agency for Health and Safety at Work: review of progress made in 2006
