How to avoid 7 common household accidents

Published on Thu Apr 30 2020 in Family

The home is a safe place for many. It’s the space where we unwind from our day, shelter from environmental threats, celebrate the important moments in life and reconnect with those we love the most. However, it can also be the site of common accidents, both minor and more serious.

In New Zealand, more injuries happen at home than any other place¹ – including at work, on the road or playing sport! But, just like those activities, there are ways to help make your home a bit safer for your family and visitors. 

Here are seven common household accidents and steps for helping prevent them.

Slips, trips & falls

These are the most common types of household accidents, but some of the easiest to help avoid. Keeping floors free of tripping hazards – such as wires, loose flooring and unnecessary clutter – can help. Pay close attention to higher-risk areas, like the stairs. Make sure toys and other items are kept off them to lessen the chance of tripping.

Of course, people can also be clumsy, and if you live with pets, you probably know how easily dogs and cats get underfoot. Being aware of your surroundings can help. Also, turning on lights when walking at night (or using night lights) could also help avoid a fall.

Falling objects

Items falling from almost any height can be dangerous, especially in earthquake zones like New Zealand. Securing large furniture (think bookcases, dressers and TV cabinets) to walls could help them remain standing during a natural disaster or if small children try to climb them. Vases, frames and decorative items can be secured using removable adhesive to help them stay in place.

Safety experts recommend not storing anything above shoulder height, if possible. Otherwise, try not to overpack shelves and cupboards, and put things away securely and in an orderly fashion. Finally, keep heavy or large items low to the ground to avoid them falling at all. 

Burns

There are many items in a home that could cause a burn. Small changes, such as turning pan handles away from the range edge or using the back burners could help, especially if you have small children. Also consider keeping cords to kettles, electric skillets, hair straighteners and curling irons out of reach of kids and pets.

Radiators and fireplaces also pose a burn risk. Help avoid accidents by installing proper safety covers and always supervise children when they are in use. Finally, consider lowering the hot water temperature in your home to help avoid scalds, or install safety locks on taps.

Cuts

You may already keep sharp knives and other cutting tools well out of reach of children, but don’t forget glass items as well. If someone does break a glass, block off the area and sweep up the mess immediately. Follow up by vacuuming to get any small fragments you may not be able to see. Just in case, your family may want to wear slippers around the house to avoid stepping on any pieces that might be missed.

Drowning

Families are often extra mindful of swimming pools, which should be fenced or behind a barrier to keep children from reaching them without an adult’s help. However, any standing water around the home (such as bathtubs, filled sinks or garden ponds) could potentially be a place of concern. Always carefully watch children during bathtime or around these areas, and take steps to make them harder for little ones to get to.

Choking

Babies and toddlers love to explore with their mouths, as any parent or grandparent will tell you! Though it may be impossible to watch a child every second of the day, a close watch could help avoid a choking accident. Beyond this, storing small items out of their reach or locked away could help keep them out of little hands.

Poisoning

There are many items in the home that could be mistaken for food by children and animals. These include cleaning supplies, medications and even cosmetics. In all cases, choose safe and secure places to keep these items, and always return them immediately after use. For example, try to only take medicines in the bathroom, where they can quickly be returned to a locked drawer or cabinet when you’re done.

Creating a safer home

While our homes may never be one hundred percent safe, steps can be taken to help avoid many household accidents. A regular “safety check” around your property, as well as staying organised and cautious, could go a long way towards keeping everyone in your home happy, healthy and safe.

 

1. Safe Communities Foundation NZ, Home Injuries and Prevention fact sheet

 About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.

 

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