The history of childhood accident and injury prevention in England: background to the foundation of the Child Accident Prevention Trust.

The article focuses on the history of accident prevention based on efforts to improve child safety and health in Great Britain. The absence of a concept of childhood before the industrial revolution, employment of children which led to waifs being unprotected and living on the streets, and passage of the 1802 Health and Morals of Apprentices Act are noted. Relations between various societies such as Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Child Accident Prevention Trust are noted.