Homes are supposed to be safe havens, but unfortunately, accidents still can occur whilst you are in your house. According to RoSPA, around 2.7 million people in the UK visit Accident and Emergency after an accident in the home. However, there are ways to prevent accidents from happening. Being able to identify which accidents are more common can help you to find solutions and keep yourself and your family safe. So, what are the most common accidents at home?
Slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common accidents at home. Whilst personal risk factors do contribute, there can be things around the house that can cause an accident. It can be considered common sense to remove clutter from your floors, especially on the stairs and in darker areas, but there are some other things you can do to keep your falls to a minimum. You may want to think about the type of flooring you have. Loose rugs and carpets can curl up in corners and create uneven flooring, so you could secure them to the floor using rug tape to prevent them from sliding around when you step on them.
Burns
Burns and scalding are common accidents among toddlers and young children, and they can cause a great deal of harm. One way to protect your little ones in the kitchen is to use the rings at the back of your hob and to turn the pan handles inwards to prevent any little hands from grabbing at them. Another way is to install a baby gate across your kitchen door. That way your children can still see you (and you can see them!) and be kept away from the kitchen safely while you are cooking.
Electrical accidents
Electrical accidents are incredibly serious and can easily result in death. Keeping your electricals properly maintained is a good way to keep your family safe. If something malfunctions and hurts you, and it is due to the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to make a home compensation claim. Power surges can be dangerous too, so remember to switch off any electricals you are not using. You may also want to use surge protectors as well to prevent overheating and fires in the event of a power surge.
Cuts and lacerations
Whilst most cuts and lacerations aren’t serious, they can be. Simple things such as losing concentration when chopping vegetables or breaking a dish can cause lacerations. Making sure distractions are out of the kitchen can help you concentrate when using sharp knives. It is also worth remembering to regularly check your glass and ceramicware for any chips or imperfections. If you have sharp tools in the house ensure they are stored safely and away from children such as in a toolbox in the garage.
Mild poisoning
Kids have a habit of getting into every cupboard and drawer so keeping harmful chemicals safe is paramount. Keep such bottles in high cabinets to prevent little ones from being able to open them and potentially ingest the solutions. Prescription medication can also be harmful for children so think about where you store these. You may want to keep them in a bathroom cabinet or on your bedside table. If you are limited by the amount of hard-to-reach cabinets in your home, then you should invest in some childproof cupboard locks. This will make your cupboards hard to open and keep chemicals safe.
Accidents at home are a common occurrence, but many can be prevented with proper vigilance, some safety measures, and education. By understanding the most common accidents at home and how they happen, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of them ever happening in your house.