Home accidents claim the lives of approximately 18,000 people each year. Here are the most common accidents with some tips to help prevent them.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are common not just at home, but on the streets, at work and people just out and about. The Slip and Fall Accidents Attorney Philadelphia uses see numerous cases every year. However, most slips and falls that occur in the home occur in the bathroom. A staggering 6,000 people die each year due to fall related injuries. The best way to prevent these falls is to install grab bars in the bathroom to assist people getting in and out of the tub, but also for something to hold onto if you feel yourself falling. Grab bars in any bathroom assist people of all ages to stay safe and avoid serious injury.
Poisoning Due to Overdose
An additional 5,000 people die every year due to accidental drug overdoses. Drug overdoses occur often when people miscalculate how much medication they have taken, think they have not taken their medication and so take them again or mix medications or medications and alcohol. Keeping track of medications with dated pill containers can be helpful to avoid these situations, as well as calling a poison health hotline before taking an over the counter medication with your prescriptions medications. Keeping medication out of reach of children, including teens, will also avoid unnecessary poisoning.
Fire and Burns
3,000 people die every year in fires or from burns sustained during fire related incidents. Smoke detectors save lives and new home builds should include sprinklers.
Airway Obstructions
1,000 people die from airway obstructions which include strangulation, choking and suffocation. More and more Sudden Infant Death cases are being associated with airway obstruction. A safe crib should be empty to avoid the chance of suffocation from blankets, toys and pillows. Checking the bed of older children for small objects can also help save lives.
Drowning
800 drownings occur each year and small children can drown in as little as 1 or 2 inches of water. Staying within an arms length of your child is the best way to prevent drowning.
Remembering that common accidents can often be prevented with a few precautions will help keep you and your family safe. For best consultation, contact The Law Offices of Joseph S. Mitchell III
