We all have injuries from time to time, cuts and bruises, bumps and bangs. Hopefully they are more a nuisance than something that causes us real harm. However, many injuries are serious and can cause disability and death.
When we are in a hurry, we can become careless of our own safety and that of others. Preventing injury is often common sense but see the reminder list below for safety tips.
Most injuries occur at home:
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In Torfaen, 24% of all injuries causing a visit to A&E happened at home
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Over 40% of all childhood accidental injuries occur at home and in the garden
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For the elderly, falls are by far the biggest cause of home injuries
The following safety tips can help prevent injuries in the home:
Trips and falls
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Fit child safety gates to the top and bottom of stairs
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Keep furniture away from windows to prevent climbing / falling out
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Fix loose carpets and mats
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Do not have trailing flexes – fix them round the edge of rooms
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Check flexes are not worn or frayed
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Fit grab rails around baths and showers
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Extra hand rails on stairs and steps to give better support
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Wipe up spills to avoid slips
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Do not climb on furniture to reach high places
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Use a ladder / step ladder and ensure placed firmly on the ground
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In the garden, make sure tools are not left lying around
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Take care when using power tools
Burns and Scalds
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Keep Children away from ovens, hobs and hot plates
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Turn pan handles toward the back of the stoves
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Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of small children
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Test your bathwater before you or your child get in to avoid scalds
Poisoning
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Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children
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Keep all dangerous substances in original containers and out of reach of children
Useful organisations
Gwent Bobby Van Trust is a free service that works to secure the homes of the elderly, vulnerable or disadvantaged in the community. Contact Roger Price on 01633 245202 to find out more.
Care and Repair Torfaen are able to give advice and practical help to vulnerable, older and disabled people to repair and improve their homes. Contact them on 08453 101 180.