Just do the math

Whenever I see numbers and statistics being used, I try to do some simple
arithmetic,to see what the numbers really mean. Often, numbers or statistics
are presented in such a way as to make them look much ‘bigger’ and
‘really important’.

Here is a case in point.


New, electrical outlet law

(See Maclean’s Magazine, July 5, 2010, p.65 “Just Plug It In -- if you can”).

New, tamper-resistant electrical outlets are becoming mandatory across Canada in the name of safety; to protect children horsing around with outlets and getting shocked.
In the last 6 years , 365 children were taken to hospital in Canada and 35% of these needed “medical follow up”, according to Maclean’s.

The magazine focuses on the difficulty adults are having with using the new designs and their frustrations, and points out how our 110-120 voltage is rarely harmful, and usually a one-of lesson in avoidance. The article even ends by quoting the executive director of the International Association for Child Safety, Colleen Driscall, that kids can still get electrical shocks in other ways.

My ‘difficulty’ is in the numbers.

365 injuries over 6 years is 60.83 per year, of which 22.5 required extra attention and treatment.

Since when is 60 or 61 child injuries per year a significant number?

I am sure the number of children who need medical attention for falling down stairs at home is far, far greater, and what of 2 wheel bicycles with their frequent spills when learning and thereafter? Are stairs to be banned and all homes forced to have elevators? Are 2-wheelers for anyone under age 18 to be outlawed? Are we going to ban kids from skiing, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and any other sport or activity where falls or checks regularly lead to injuries such as broken legs or worse?

Of course not.

The math tells me common sense is not being applied in this case, Life in general is being made more expensive ( as new sockets are double the price) and people are encouraged to break the law as homeowners – in frustration – are seeking to replace the new with the old.


Remember, just do the math.