10 Common Injuries That Happen at Home (And How to Prevent Them)

It's safe to say that most of us spend a lot of time at home. Whether we're cooking dinner, watching TV, or playing with our kids, or in our own backyard. And while it's generally a safe place to be, there are some common injuries that can happen in and around the home. In this article, we'll discuss 10 of the most common injuries and how you can prevent them from happening to you!

 

1. Slips and Falls:

This is one of the most common injuries that occur at home, especially for older people. To prevent slips and falls, make sure your floors are always kept clean and dry. Use non-skid rugs or mats in areas where water is present (like the kitchen or bathroom). Also, make sure to keep clutter off the floor so you can avoid tripping over it.

 

2. Burns:

Whether it’s a hot stovetop or an iron left on too long, burns are a common injury at home. To prevent them from happening, always keep an eye on what’s cooking and never leave any hot appliances unattended. It's also important to use oven mitts when handling hot items.

 

3. Cuts:

From using kitchen knives to opening cans, cuts are another common injury that happens at home. To prevent them, always use the right tools for the job and store sharp objects in a safe place where they won’t be accidentally knocked over or stepped on.

 

4. Broken Bones:

Whether it’s from slipping down a flight of stairs or jumping off furniture, broken bones can occur quickly and easily at home. To prevent them, make sure your staircase is well-lit and free of any obstacles that could cause you to trip. Additionally, don't jump off furniture or climb up high places unless you're certain it's safe to do so.

 

5. Sprains and Strains:

These can occur when lifting heavy objects, playing sports, or just making sudden movements. To prevent them from occurring, always lift with your legs and not your back. Additionally, stretch before doing any kind of strenuous activity to avoid overworking your muscles.

 

6. Insect/Animal Bites:

From bee stings to spider bites, insect and animal bites are another common injury that can happen at home. To prevent them from occurring, make sure you don't leave open food out in areas where insects or animals could get access to it. Additionally, if you have pets like dogs or cats, make sure they're up-to-date on their flea and tick treatments.

 

7. Spine Injuries:

Poor posture or lifting heavy objects without proper form can cause spine injuries. To prevent this from occurring, make sure you maintain good posture when sitting and standing and always lift with your legs instead of your back.

 

8. Eye Injuries:

These are usually caused by poking an eye with a sharp object or getting something in the eyes. To prevent them from happening, make sure to store any sharp objects out of reach of children and wear protective glasses when necessary (such as when using power tools).

 

9. Electric Shock/Burns:

Electric shocks and burns can occur if appliances are not properly maintained or used correctly. Always unplug appliances before cleaning them and make sure to use the appropriate fuse for any electrical equipment.

 

10. Poisoning:

This is especially common in households with small children, as they are prone to putting things in their mouths that they shouldn't. To prevent them from happening, make sure to keep all chemicals and cleaners stored away out of reach and never leave any containers open around the house.

 

By following these safety tips, you can prevent most common injuries from occurring in your home. However, if you do end up getting injured at home, be sure to call 911 or seek medical attention at Spring + Heights Hospitals immediately.