These household items can be hazardous if you are not paying attention!
The risk of serious injury and death because of accidents that happen inside our very own homes is bigger than we expect. Accidents happen every day, and some of them are serious. Most of these incidents are caused by various household items that we all have around us.
The human body is built up of soft tissue wrapped around a sturdy skeleton, making it vulnerable to all of the hard characteristics, corners, and edges that are found in every home. We are more fragile than we like to think about ourselves, and this can have some serious consequences.
What is even more fascinating is that the number of home injuries caused by these household items has risen in recent years, and we consider this the perfect context to talk more about this. Ready to find out more?
Stairs and steps (1.027 hospitalizations)
Many American homes have stairs; it’s a pretty common feature. However, these household items pose a high risk for serious injuries.
For example, hearing about cases like the following is not surprising. A 60-year-old woman ended up at the ER because she fell backward on the stairs and hit her head on the door. Or a 76-year-old man who was using his walker tripped and fell down the stairs, resulting in a hip fracture.
There are many building regulations regarding stairs and how to make them safer, but even so there are still many people who suffer accidents. In 2022 alone, over 73,000 stair-related injuries at home that required hospitalization happened.
What is the lesson? Always be careful when you are using the stairs because they are more dangerous than they seem!
Chairs (319,000 hospitalizations)
Of all household items, chairs seem pretty safe, right? What can go wrong with a chair? Most of the time they are dangerous for the young ones and elderly. Most hospitals report small children who are tempted to climb on the chairs and end up falling. Generally, they end up with bruises, fractures, or even head injuries.
For seniors, things are different. They are struggling to sit down or rise up from the chair, and this is how they slip or fall. Those who are affected the most are older people who have mobility issues. The injuries they suffer are not only painful but can also lead to longer recovery times and complications for seniors.
Make sure your chairs are sturdy and of appropriate height. Also, the ones equipped with armrests make them safer, so you should aim to get those.
Toilets (204,000 hospitalizations)
They are a basic necessity in any home, but they can be extremely dangerous for older adults. We know that this might sound incredibly surprising, but these household items toilet-related accidents happen more than we think, and the main victims are those over 66 years old.
One recorded example included a person in a wheelchair who collapsed while trying to use the restroom, just to be identified as having atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes dizziness and fainting. Such events show how pre-existing health conditions may increase the challenges of handling daily tasks as we age.
As we get older, our posture changes, and we lose our core and leg strength. When this happens, lowering oneself onto or rising from a toilet may become a difficult task, and if we are not careful, this can lead to serious injuries.
If you want to reduce the risk, consider installing a raised toilet seat or some grab bars because they will provide some extra stability. These simple changes can make a big difference, especially for seniors.
Bathtubs or showers (431,000 hospitalizations)
Of all the household items listed here, maybe this one is the one you were expecting the most to see. And here it is! Bathrooms are known for their slippery floors and the risk they pose for accidents. The surfaces are smooth, and once they are wet, they become incredibly dangerous.
Bathtubs and showers both cause numerous accidents, and anyone can get hurt, but those using walkers or canes are even more predisposed. In this case, grab bars or walk-in designs can be lifesaving. Also, anti-slip mats should also be considered.
But falls are not the only danger. People can also suffer from temperature-related injuries. For example, stepping into a bathtub filled with extremely hot water is very dangerous and can lead to burns.
Fainting in the shower is another documented risk, particularly for those with health conditions. The high temperatures can make some people faint, and this can lead to very serious injuries. So, proper ventilation is a must inside your bathroom if you want to be safe.
It’s time to make your bathtub or shower safer! Use this Anti Slip Traction Tape, 4 Inch x 40 Foot with Application Roller- Best Grip
You should also read: Deadliest Diseases in U.S. History!
