Top Ways People Get Injured During the Holidays
Injuries happen every day, but there seem to be more people injured around the holidays as they rush around to try and get their homes ready for the festive season. Take a look at some of the top ways people get injured during the holidays.
1. Car Accidents
Speeding is one culprit for car accidents during the holidays, however, it can also be a result of bad weather. Be careful when driving around for holiday gifts and avoid going out if you know the weather is going to be bad. Drive slowly and take precautions when driving in icy conditions or poor visibility. Make sure your brakes are in good condition and drive slowly if there’s any snow or ice on the roads.
2. Electrical Shock
Electrical shock during the holidays is more common than you think. Because people have so many electronic devices and other things plugged up (like lights or extension cords), there is an increased risk of electric shocks. Electrical shock can cause nerve, muscle, and tissue damage, as well as burns. Make sure to watch out for damaged or frayed wires or tears in the protective coating on cords. You should also consider unplugging any decorations when you leave the house.
3. Holiday Fires
Fires around the holiday season are common. Burning candles for a cozy feel? Make sure they’re up and out of reach of children and pets. Never leave a candle burning when leaving the house. Always blow it out before you leave your home or go to bed. Make sure to keep any candles clear of curtains, furniture, your Christmas tree, or any other flammable items.
4. Slips and Falls
Falls are another common holiday injury. With all the presents, decorations, and toys lying around, it’s easy to trip over something and seriously injure yourself or someone else. It might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure to watch where you’re going whenever you are moving through a junk-filled room. Also, try to organize things in a way that allows you to keep a clear path from room to room. You should also be sure to wipe up spills as soon as possible and make sure the floor remains dry. The last thing you want is for you or one of your guests to end up in the hospital during the holidays over a slip and fall.
5. Back Injuries
Back injuries around the holidays are also pretty common. People often throw their backs out lugging heavy holiday equipment up from the basement or down from the attic. It might also come from picking up heavy bags at the airport or moving furniture around to accommodate holiday guests. If something is too heavy for you to lift, ask for help. Also, remember to lift with your legs and keep the item close to your body.
Stay Safe this Holiday Season
Now that you know how people get injured during the holidays, you can take the proper precautions to ensure you and your family stay safe this holiday season. Use the appropriate safety measures outlined above and you should have no problems avoiding these holiday injuries.
