The holidays are a fun time for the whole family but should be taken with caution. As the holiday season can be very hectic, it’s important to remember to slow down and practice holiday safety.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 39,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries a year. About a third of these injuries relate to decorating activities. Additionally, according to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission, thousands of people are also treated for injuries related to carrying luggage. Lastly, many winter-related sports can also lead to terrible accidents. Many injuries are related to winter sports such as snowmobiling, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding.
Preventing Falls and Injuries
Practice Safety
As a general rule of thumb, take precautions before putting up decorations. Make sure you are dressed properly and your shoe laces are tied.
Keep Pathways Clear
Keep pathways clear of decorations and objects.
Use a Step Stool
Use a step stool (and not furniture) if you need to reach high places or to hang decorations.
Ladder Usage
Know how to properly use a ladder and make sure surfaces are even before using the ladder. Also, make sure to inspect the ladder before using to avoid any falls.
Do Not Drink and Decorate!
Save your drinking for after the decorations are hung.
Luggage Carrying Tips
Injuries in carrying luggage can be caused to the back, neck, and shoulder due to heavy luggage.
Weigh Luggage
Weigh all luggage beforehand and be careful if your luggage is over the recommended weight. Excess luggage weight can hurt your neck, back, and shoulders!
Lifting Luggage
Be very cautious in lifting luggage, especially into the overhead compartment on the airplane! Always ask for assistance if you need help or check luggage in.
Use Proper Technique
Always use proper lifting techniques when lifting luggage. Always bend your knees and use your legs to lift heavy luggage (and not with your back!).
Winter Sports
Proper Equipment
Always use proper equipment and wear proper protective gear when participating in winter-related sports activities such as helmets, gloves, and padding. Make sure to inspect equipment before participating in winter sports.
Follow the Rules!
Make sure that you know the rules. Not following the rules could have very dangerous consequences.
Know Who to Contact
Last, but not least, know who to contact and what to do in case of an emergency.
Reference:
“About Holiday Safety.” Orthoinfo.aaos.org. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00367.
Written by: Sharan Kaur, FizzNiche Staff Writer
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