Accidents can happen anywhere. You might have a mishap at work, at home, or outside playing in the park. Some of these accidents are unavoidable, but many of them are easily avoidable. Bad decisions and pure carelessness are often at the root of these avoidable incidents. Here are some common accidents and how to avoid making these same mistakes.
1. Slips and Falls at Work
Slips and falls occur most often at work locations that deal with heavy machinery. That’s because heavy machinery often produces water, grease, and oil waste. All of which can cause a floor to become slippery. A worker could fall and hit their head, break an arm, or receive some other injury.
Keeping the workplace clean is the best way to avoid slips, trips, and falls. Do this by creating a plan for all the workers to follow. Go over the plan with the workers, and post copies around the workplace.
Stress the importance of cleaning up after work is finished. Instead of lying a hammer on the ground, but it back where it belongs. Make sure that all tools have designated storage space. And at the end of the workday, check to make sure all tools are returned to storage. And wet floors should always have a warning sign until the area is dry.
2. Dog Attacks in the Home or Neighborhood
Dog owners are responsible for their pets. And dog bite injuries are often the result of a negligent or careless owner. An owner might let their dog roam freely around the neighborhood. The dog could attack a child, mail carrier, or anyone it encounters. An untrained dog might even attack a guest visiting the home.
In injuries involving dog bites, Justin Kimball of Preszler Law (https://www.preszlerlaw-ns.com/) says that the most common locations for injuries are on the face, neck, and head. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly 1 out of 5 people bitten by dogs require immediate medical attention. This is a dangerous situation that can cause life-threatening injuries. It’s important that dog owners take precautions to keep their pet and everyone around them safe.
A dog needs supervision when playing with children or visitors. Even if the child or visitor makes the dog angry, the owner is possibly liable for the attack. And never walk a dog without a leash. The dog could suddenly run away to chase after another animal or person. And finally, make sure the dog is trained. A well-trained dog is less likely to make unprovoked attacks.
3. Hit by Falling Objects on the Job
Falling objects are another cause of workplace injuries. This is most common on construction sites and in warehouses. A construction worker might drop a tool or kick one from a high area. The falling tool can then hit another worker. In a warehouse, a box or other item might fall from a shelf.
Instruct workers to carefully observe their surroundings. If there are tools that can fall from a height, then move them to a safer location. Construction workers should also wear protective helmets. Warehouse workers should make sure packages are secured on shelves. They also should follow safety practices for removing items from shelves.
4. Swimming Injuries During Vacation
Vacations are a time for having fun. Getting hurt is the last thing anyone wants to think about during a vacation. But vacation accidents are common, especially at swimming pools and lakes. A swimmer might overestimate their abilities. Or a distraction might cause an adult to stop supervising a young swimmer. It’s even possible to suffer a serious injury from diving into shallow water.
If a lifeguard isn’t present, an adult should supervise young swimmers. Avoid distractions, such as listening to loud music or playing games on a cell phone or tablet. If the water is dark, enter feet-first in case it’s shallow. And stop swimming if bad weather develops.
5. Trampoline Park Injuries
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Trampoline parks are more popular than ever. Adults and children love the fun and freedom of bouncing on a trampoline. But there’s a reason why visitors are required to sign a waiver upon entering the park. Sprains, fractures, bruises, and bumps are common trampoline injuries.
Avoided jumping on a crowded trampoline. Several people can jump in one location at the same time. It’s common for people to bump into each other or fall. This can become dangerous when the area is crowded. And never jump on a damaged trampoline.
Look Out for Yourself and Others
Many accidents are preventable. When you’re alert and aware of your surroundings, you’re less likely to get into an accident. Not all accidents are avoidable, but many of them are. Stay safe!