They say that home is where the heart is, however, this doesn’t mean that it’s hazard-free. While it may feel uncomfortable to think about the dangers in your home, it’s important to be aware of them to stay safe.
Reports indicate that rented homes in particular can be hazard-prone where landlords have neglected properties and not maintained them properly. These types of hazards range from dampness and mould to structural issues in the home. But what about hazards that can take place in any home? Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common accidents that take place.
How common are accidents at home?
Statistics show that the home is one of the most common locations for an accident to happen. Children aged below five years and the elderly are more prone to accidents in these spaces. Most accidents take place in rooms such as the kitchen and living room than any other room. Hazards tend to include the following:
1. Falling objects
Falling objects can be caused by trailing items such as dishcloths or cables that are hanging over an edge, which when pulled, can pull another object down to the ground. This puts children at risk especially. A poorly-placed item on a high shelf also has the potential to fall and hurt someone if it becomes dislodged in any way.
2. Slips, trips and falls
These are some of the most prevalent types of accidents that take place in the home. They can cause serious injuries, such as concussions or broken limbs. This might happen due to wet surfaces that haven’t been cleared, or when items haven’t been cleared away. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk from falls for different reasons.
3. Burns
Unsurprisingly, the kitchen is a key zone for burns and scalds that take place in the home. This might be due to the oven, the hob or boiling water. The NHS has published advice on how to deal with burns as soon as they arise to help minimise the damage caused.
4. Choking
Choking is a risk to children especially, as they may not understand that certain items can’t be consumed. It can happen to adults too, simply due to food becoming lodged in the throat and blocking the airways. You should call 999 immediately if items cannot be removed swiftly.
5. Poisoning
Poisoning is a real risk in the home due to the presence of cleaning products, medicines and cosmetics. These items should be kept well out of reach so that children can’t access them. At the same time, adults should approach these items with caution and wear gloves or wash their hands after using certain products. Always read the label.
What can you do if you have suffered an accident a home?
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be able to treat the injury at home. However, if it’s more severe, you should seek medical attention. This might involve calling 111, visiting your GP, heading to the emergency room or calling 999.
Remember, if the accident wasn’t your fault, you could be able to seek legal support. You might have suffered an accident due to a faulty product you’ve bought or a poorly-completed fixture or fitting that was the responsibility of a tradesperson. If you or another person’s injuries are serious, this means you could receive the support needed to pay for treatment for example, or to cover time off work.
If you’re involved in an accident, try not to panic and focus on seeking the appropriate support for the injury that has taken place.
