Many injuries occurring today are preventable. June has been declared a National Safety Month by the National Safety Council (NSC), which is a non-profit organization that promotes safer practices in all realms of life, including work, home, on the roads, and throughout communities. The NSC conducts research into safe practices. Through education and advocacy, the organization shares its findings to promote safety for everyone.
According to the NSC, in 2018, 167,127 individuals died from injuries that were preventable, and there were 46.5 million injuries in the United States, costing the nation $1,059.9 billion. Awareness of likely hazards and precautions can help reduce the number of unintentional injuries and fatalities.
What Are Some Preventable Accidents?
Accidents that are preventable may include the following:
- Trips and falls
- Drowning
- Choking
- Poisoning
- Car accidents
- Fires
- Environmental accidents
- Electricity
- Tools
- Medication
Sometimes, accidents can still occur due to no fault of your own. If you are injured in an accident, it is beneficial to contact a lawyer for help with a personal injury claim.
How Can You Prevent Trips and Falls?
Falls cause deaths in all age groups, but especially for individuals 65 years old or older. Trips and falls can be prevented through care and planning. Falls from heights cause serious injuries. Keeping your floors clean and de-cluttered. It is important to allow enough space for walking to prevent someone from falling. Additionally, mop up spills, and repair uneven floors to prevent an accident. Placing handrails on stairs and increasing lighting on steps and other areas where trips may occur are additional precautions.
How Can You Prevent Poisoning, Choking, and Suffocation?
Poisoning injuries occur by inhaling poisonous gases or ingesting poisonous liquids and substances. Keep poisonous gases and substances out of reach of children. Carefully label liquids so that accidental ingestion does not happen. Keep laundry detergents, bleach, and other cleaning supplies out of reach.
Place carbon monoxide monitors so that you can be alerted if there is a leak. Check for lead and other poisonous gases, such as radon, in the home. It is also advisable to keep the Poison Control Center number handy.
Suffocation and choking are other preventable injuries. Infants die from suffocation caused by improper bedding, plastic bags, and other such things. Ensure that your infant’s crib and child’s bedding are safe to use. Remove stuffed animals, extra blankets, pillows, and other accessories from the bed to ensure there is no risk for suffocation. Make certain that the crib and mattress meet safety standards.
How Can Drowning be Prevented?
Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning can cause severe brain damage, leading to disability, impaired memory, and loss of function. Lack of swimming knowledge, mental impairment due to alcohol, lack of barriers at pools, and inadequate supervision of children in pools can all lead to drowning accidents.
Use life jackets when in the water or in the pool. Taking formal swimming lessons to learn how to swim and tread water are crucial when near pools and water.
Be vigilant of children around water or designate one individual to watch children in the pool. Take turns to keep watch. Also, never swim alone or only swim where there is a lifeguard present.
Never drink alcohol when swimming. Additionally, learning CPR is never a bad thing.
How Can You Practice Safety While Driving?
Distracted and impaired driving accidents are often preventable. Distractions due to cellphones and driving under the influence cause several accidents. Do not use cellphones or other devices while driving.
Do not drive after drinking or after taking medication that can lead to drowsiness. Also, do not drive when fatigued.
Additionally, proper maintenance is a good way to ensure that an accident does not occur. Practicing safe driving is the best way to prevent unintentional injuries and fatalities.
What Can Cause Fires and Burns?
Injuries due to fires and burns are the sixth leading cause of unintentional injuries, according to the NSC. Fires often occur at nighttime when individuals are sleeping, having a working fire alarm is essential to preventing fires.
Staying alert while cooking in the kitchen is an extremely important safety measure. Often, fires start because someone has forgotten some food cooking on the stovetop. Checking food often and setting a timer are good practices. Keep the stovetop clear from unnecessary items that can catch fire.
Keep flammables, such as blankets, paper, and drapes at least three feet from a heater or fireplace. Keep matches, lighters, and candles away from the reach of children. Avoid using candles or ensure that all candles are burnt out before leaving the room.
Also, keep a fire extinguisher in a safe place within reach. Install and maintain smoke alarms in all rooms of the house. Have an escape plan and ladder handy, so that in case of a fire, you can use a ladder to escape from the second floor of the home.
What Are Some Environmental Hazards?
Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes are known to cause injuries. Learning how to prepare in case of an emergency, having a plan, and keeping an emergency kit on hand can help prevent injuries. It is important to keep three days of food and water in case there is an emergency. Additionally, store important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies, in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box.
How Should Medication be Handled?
Store medication in a cool, dry place in a designated area that children cannot reach. Check expiration and labeling before taking the medication. Carefully read the instructions on the medication and ensure that the proper dosage and timing is followed. Also, keep track of medications that must be taken daily by organizing them in a pill organizer to stay on schedule. Finally, dispose all medications properly.
How Are Power Tools Dangerous?
Tools, such as drills, saws, and hammers, present hazards. Power tools use gas and electricity, which carries the risks of electrical shock and fire. Operate tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect tools before operating them to ensure safety. Also, properly and regularly maintain them. After using power tools, disconnect them. Clear the floors of tripping hazards, including power cords to prevent an accident. Also, avoid using power tools in wet areas and conditions.
As summer approaches, it is important to keep safety measures in mind. Use the month of June to brush up on CPR, organize emergency kits, and check the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Dispose of expired medication. Survey the home for hazardous and poisonous materials, and update your contacts to include phone numbers of medical providers. Finally, discuss safety measures and emergency plans with family. If an accident does occur due to no fault of your own, contact an experienced lawyer who will handle your case.
Towson Personal Injury Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Represent Clients Injured in Accidents
Our Towson personal injury lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC will help you if you have been injured in an unexpected accident. Sometimes, accidents are not your fault and we will help you obtain the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 443-589-0150. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
