The Need for Safety – JSS1 Social Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Safety is the state of being safe and protected from danger or harm.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define safety and accident;
2. list the types of accident;
3. state the causes of accidents at home, at school and on the road;
4. state why students need safety;
5. describe safety measures at home, at school and in the workplace.

What is safety?

Safety is the state of being safe and protected from danger or harm.

• Safety: a precautionary measure taken against accidents, so that lives, health and property are protected.
• Accident: an unexpected event that can happen anytime and anywhere without warning.
• Where danger exists: we can meet accidents at home, at school and at the workplace.
• Our duty: everyone should make sure that homes, schools and workplaces are safe from accidents.

Why do we need safety in Nigeria today?

We need safety in Nigeria today because natural, political, economic and technological events affect our lives and property.

• Natural events: flooding is one example.
• Insecurity: bomb blasts by Boko Haram, militancy and other criminal acts.
• Political and economic problems: political corruption and unemployment.
• Health emergencies: the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disturbed the national economy and took many lives.
• Religious bigotry: intolerance within and between religious groups.
• Technology: new gadgets, drugs and food in our hospitals and homes can cause harm if wrongly used.

• What we must do: know how these things touch our lives and manage them well, to reduce the harm from wrong usage.

What are the types of accident?

There are three types of accident: home accidents, school accidents and road accidents.

What causes accidents at home and at school?

Accidents at home and at school are caused mainly by carelessness and unsafe objects or behaviour.

What are the causes of accidents at home?

• Slippery floor: water or oil left on the floor makes people slip and fall.
• Banana peels: peels thrown carelessly on the floor or path cause falls.
• Knife cuts: careless use of knives causes wounds.
• Razor cuts: blades and razors cut when handled carelessly.
• Poisonous substances: fuel, kerosene and insecticides within children’s reach can cause poisoning.
• Faulty equipment: wrong use of electrical appliances can cause shock or burns.

What are the causes of accidents at school?

• Fighting: students injure one another.
• Playing on rough ground: students trip and fall.
• Throwing stones: stones can hit and wound others.
• Using chairs and desks to defend yourself: furniture becomes a weapon in a quarrel.
• Playing near staircases: students fall down the steps.
• Harmful things in laboratories: acid, fire and broken glass cause burns and cuts.

What causes road accidents?

Road accidents are caused mainly by human error, bad roads and faulty vehicles.

• Overspeeding: a fast vehicle cannot stop in time.
• Reckless driving: wrong overtaking and driving while tired or drunk.
• Ignoring traffic signs: drivers and pedestrians who disobey lights and road signs.
• Bad roads: potholes and poor road surfaces.
• Faulty vehicles: bad brakes and worn tyres.

Why do students need safety?

Students need safety to stay alive, healthy and able to learn.

• Healthy living: safe habits prevent injury and illness.
• To save lives: many accidents can cause death.
• To protect property: books, buildings and belongings are kept from damage.
• To learn in peace: a safe school lets students study and play without fear.

What are the safety measures in the home?

Safety measures in the home are the steps family members take to prevent accidents and abuse.

• Family responsibilities: parents should make duties known to all members.
• Equal love: every member should be loved equally.
• Education: children should receive the right formal and informal education.
• Adult jokes: keep them away from children, to avoid abuse of youth.
• Food: do not eat sour food in the home.
• Drugs: take only drugs prescribed by a medical doctor, to avoid unsafe medication and drug abuse.
• Floors: avoid pouring water on the floor, and scrub the floor thoroughly when washing it.
• Banana peels: do not throw them on the floor carelessly.
• Sharp objects: use razors, pins and knives carefully.
• Poisonous substances: keep fuel, gas, kerosene and insecticides out of children’s reach.
• Technological equipment: explain the use and instructions for electric boilers, heaters, kettles, iron cookers, DVDs, VCDs, radios, computers, the internet and handsets.

What are the safety measures at school?

Safety measures at school are the rules, facilities and habits that protect students and staff from harm.

• Adequate facilities: enough classrooms, laboratories, a library, game pitches and space for expansion.
• Fence: it stops students leaving at will and keeps unwanted visitors out.
• School rules: students’ behaviour should be regulated through rules and regulations.
• Clean environment: remove broken bottles, blades, stones and other sharp objects.
• No playing in classrooms: especially where there are staircases.
• First aid: first aid kits should be provided.
• Reports to parents: students’ academic behaviour and other actions should be reported to parents or guardians quarterly or yearly.
• Drainage: proper drainage channels should be made and maintained.
• Control of bad influences: check cyber crimes, cultism, pornography and similar vices.
• Electrical repairs: repair faulty cables, switches and wall sockets promptly.
• Laboratory safety: do not play with acid, fire, knives and bottles.

What are the safety measures on the road?

Road safety measures are the habits that keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.

• Obey traffic rules: follow traffic lights and road signs.
• Cross carefully: use zebra crossings and footbridges, and look both ways.
• Seat belts: drivers and passengers should wear them.
• Speed: drivers should keep to speed limits.
• Vehicle checks: keep brakes and tyres in good condition.

What are the safety measures in the workplace?

Safety measures in the workplace are the steps that protect workers, goods and money.

• Gates: provide an entrance gate and emergency exit gates.
• First aid: provide first aid kits in case of injury.
• Financial prudence: put safety measures on money matters in place.
• Security of goods: use burglary proofs, closed-circuit cameras, security men and police dogs.
• Rules: make rules to guide human behaviour.
• Farm tools: follow the safety measures for using farm tools and equipment.
• Preservation: use storage facilities such as refrigerators.
• Insurance of goods: goods can be insured against fire, theft and natural disasters.
• Insurance of workers: workers can be insured against factory hazards.
• Orientation: hold orientation and re-orientation for workers.
• Warning signals: workers should obey them strictly.

Evaluation

1. Define safety and accident.
2. List the three types of accident.
3. State three causes of accidents at school.
4. Give three reasons why students need safety.
5. State four safety measures in the workplace.

Assignment

In your notebook, list four causes of accidents at home and state five safety measures that should be taken at school.