Practicing Safety at Work, at Home and in the Community
Here are a few ways to practice safety at work, at home, and in the community.
At Work
Here are the top 3 most workplace injuries resulting in lost work days and how to prevent them:
- Overexertion – lifting/lowering, or repetitive motions.
How to prevent:
- Avoid bending, reaching and twisting when lifting
- Take frequent short breaks
- Contact with objects and equipment – struck by, caught in or crushed by equipment or material.
How to prevent:
- Store heavy objects close to the floor
- Be aware of moving equipment/objects in your work area
- Wear the proper personal protective equipment
- Slips, trips, and falls – falls from all levels.
How to prevent:
- Place the base of the ladder on an even, solid surface
- Use good housekeeping practices – making sure the area is clean and free of obstructions and debris
At Home and in the Community
Here are the top 3 more common injuries occurring in the home and in the community and how to prevent them:
- Poisoning – Poisoning deaths are caused by gases, chemicals, and other substances.
How to prevent:
- Be aware of poisonous substances
- Keep all poisonous substances out of reach of children
- Falls – Falling is the third leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death overall age groups, but it’s the #1 cause of death for those 65 and older.
How to prevent:
- Remove clutter, small furniture, pet gear, electrical cords, throw rugs and anything else that might cause someone to trip
- Arrange or remove furniture so there is plenty of room for walking
- Secure carpets to the floor
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Provide adequate lighting in every room and stairway
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and inexperience can all cause serious injury or death.
How to prevent:
- Avoid using a cell phone while driving. Even hands-free calling is distracting
- NEVER drive while impaired – Call for a ride
- ALWAYS wear a seat belt and secure children safely
- Be aware of the speed limit and of children and pedestrians
- NEVER leave children or pets in a hot car. Even in 70-degree weather, cars can reach life-threatening temperatures
