Home Safety Dangers
As a parent, you want your home to be safe for your kids. Unfortunately, however, many hidden dangers exist within it that put kids at risk of injury or even death.
Home accidents resulting in falls are one of the primary home hazards, with 1 out of every 5 older adults who fall suffering a broken bone or head injury as a result.
Fire
Fire is one of the greatest home safety risks even for luxury properties, claiming thousands of lives each year. However, there are various measures you can take to reduce fire risks in your home.
Cooking accidents are the primary source of household fires, making up half of all residential fires that firefighters respond to. To minimize risks in your kitchen area and keep firefighter’s workload down, keep cooking areas clear of clutter while removing items which could catch fire from open flames.
Smoke detectors are essential in protecting against home fires, providing early warning to help you escape. Homes without working smoke alarms have twice the risk of fatal fires compared with those equipped with them; those equipped with them have 40 percent lower risks.
Poisoning
Poisonings occur regularly in homes, and are the leading cause of poisonings among children aged 1 to 4. Many common household items contain poisonous components which could prove dangerous if swallowed or inhaled.
To protect against poisoning, it is best to store medicines, chemicals and cleaning supplies at an elevated height in a locked cupboard out of reach of small children. Do not leave anything such as milk jugs lying around where children could easily access them.
Poisoning can have lasting repercussions, from skin rashes and organ damage to death. Treatment depends on the type and amount of poison consumed.
Hazardous Cleaners
Cleaning products contain a range of hazardous or toxic substances, including glycol ethers, solvents, surfactants and fragrances.
Conduct a chemical hazard evaluation to understand the risks involved with handling, storing and dispensing chemical-containing materials in your workplace environment. This will enable you to implement appropriate risk management protocols which reduce hazards.
Use of cleaning chemicals responsibly is critical to ensure the wellbeing of both employees and the wider community. Always referring to and using these chemicals according to their SDS instructions will minimise risks and hazards associated with their storage or use.
Furniture
Furniture refers to any portable object designed to support human activities, including seating (chairs and stools), eating or working (tables/desks/desk tops) or sleeping (beds).
Furniture serves a dual purpose: aesthetic and functional. It can serve as both art and a religious or symbolic object.
Tip-over accidents involving televisions, dressers, bookcases and appliances pose a significant home safety threat. To reduce injuries caused by tip-over incidents and ensure all large furniture stays upright when moving about your house safely, anchor it all securely against walls or other solid structures.
Slips and Falls
Slips and trips happen all the time at home, but falling can be far more dangerous in the workplace.
Slips, trips and falls are one of the most frequent workplace injuries and can result in sprains, strains or broken bones.
Slips and trips can be caused by any number of hazards, including wet floors or spills on the ground. Loose rugs or mats, uneven flooring, and inappropriate footwear can also contribute to slip-and-trip accidents.
