The concept of safety can be broadly defined as the "control of hazards to achieve an acceptable level of risk".
However, this definition doesn't quite encompass everything there is to say about the term, and the word "safety" can be used in many contexts.
It can be used to describe the protection of people or possessions, and involves aspects of home life, public life, transportation, the workplace, and other areas within a society.
Woman Wearing Safety Helment
Home safety can refer to various things but is often used interchangeably with the word "security".
However, home security usually refers to whether or not the home is resistant to break-ins and burglaries, while home safety can also refer to a number of issues like baby proofing, fire safety, radon, carbon monoxide, and toxic mold.
Issues of public safety include crimes and misdemeanors, as well as injuries and other emergency situations.
Public safety officials seek to minimize and respond to criminal behavior quickly and also prevent and attend to injuries and emergencies.
Examples of public safety officials include police and security officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.
There are several organizations that have been designated to set forth and regulate public codes and standards of safety in various aspects of society.
Founded in 1913, the National Safety Council strives to save lives by preventing injuries and death
at work, at home, in communities, and on the road.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees many different industries
in the United States and reviews and adopts volunteer recommended safety standards.
Other regulatory agencies dealing with issues of safety in the United States include
the Food and Drug Administration,
the Consumer Product Safety Commission,
and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
is responsible for regulating safety in the workplace through programs to prevent illness and injury.
Safety is important for any society but is something that is not achieved automatically.
A wide variety of organizations and government policies work together to this end and are necessary to set safety standards in many industries
for a well-functioning society and a better quality of life for all of us.
The following links include page titles and summaries for reference articles and captioned images about safety-related themes.
- Baby Products
There are so many baby products available to choose from that it can seem overwhelming. Find helpful information on cribs, car seats, high chairs, strollers, and toys, as well as important safety tips.
- Bicycle Helmets
Bicycle helmets are the most important cycling accessory for the bike rider. Find information about bicycle helmets as well as links to helmets for sale.
- Laboratory Fume Hoods
Fume hoods, also known as chemical hoods, are important safety devices as they protect laboratory workers from inhaling hazardous vapors. Learn more about laboratory fume hoods.
- Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers help ensure the travel safety of both commercial and private aircraft. Learn more about the role of air traffic controllers with this helpful article.
- Deck Components
Different deck components can help add safety and style to your deck. Learn about different deck components like railings, stairs, and skirting with this helpful guide.
- Community Security
Burglary is committed about every ten seconds in the United States. Learn about how to make your home burglar deterrent with this helpful community safety guide.
- Lawn Tractor Safety
Many people use lawn tractors to make lawn maintenance easier and less time-consuming. Learn how to safely use a lawn tractor with these lawn tractor safety tips.
- Nailgun Worker (Photograph)
A carpenter uses a pneumatic nail gun to put nails into plywood. The worker wears protective blue earmuffs and plastic eye protection while using electric tools, to ensure his safety during the construction process.
- Car Seat (Photograph)
A booster seat provides additional safety for children who have outgrown traditional car seats but are not yet big enough to use a seat belt alone. This blue and gingham booster seat features a three-point harness belt system and comfortable padding.
- Segway Scooter (Photograph)
A man in an orange safety vest uses a Segway scooter to cross the street and enter a brick pedestrian area. Segway scooters allow users to travel short distances in a way that is quick, economical, and good for the environment.
- Floor Lamp Clip Art (Illustration)
Floor lamps do provide some safety concerns. The heavy tops are susceptible to toppling over, causing damage to the lamp and possibly its surroundings. Additionally, most torchiere lamps use halogen bulbs, which become extremely hot while in use.
- Hunter holding a GPS (Photograph)
A hunter, wearing an orange hat and orange coat for safety, consults a handheld GPS. The hand holding the GPS is wearing a camouflage glove. The hunter will use the GPS to determine his location and find his way in and out of the woods.
- Leaf Blowing (Photograph)
A man with a safety vest clears leaves and other debris from a public sidewalk, using a leaf blower strapped to his back. Removing leaves from the sidewalk ensures safety for pedestrians, and also makes public areas more aesthetically appealing.
- Red Motorcycle (Photograph)
This motorcyclist rides a red sports bike, leaning into a sharp turn. In addition to a helmet and leather jacket, he is also wearing leather pants with knee sliders and armored gloves for improved safety.