Hidden Dangers at Home

While many people do not realize it, most homes are full of hazards and potential sources of injury. You may feel perfectly safe in your home, but there are many possible dangers that could result in injury or even death from slippery floor tiles to stairs without banisters. These hazards can be especially dangerous to children and the elderly, who are much more likely to be injured from a large fall. Below you will find out more information about potential household hazards, as well as some possible solutions, such as anti slip products, to make your home a safer place.

FALLING DANGERS

• Statistically, falling is a frequent cause of injury for the elderly. One out of every three persons over the age of 65 falls at least once a year. Out of those falls, 20% to 30% of those people suffer severe injuries that place them either in the hospital, in assisted living, or worse. In fact, falling has been deemed the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly. Falling is directly hampering the ability of the elderly to live comfortably and independently.
• Despite being less prone to falling in the first place, children can also be severely injured by a hard fall. Children are still developing and have softer bones, which cannot absorb a strong impact as well as the bones of an adult. Furthermore, children are typically less aware of risks, such as a wet or slippery floor, which can lead to them getting badly injured.
• There are a variety of ways you can prevent slip-related injuries in your home. A simple solution is to cover all slick floors (such as marble) with rugs (preferably one with a semi-rough or coarse texture).
  • A more effective solution, however, would be to apply a non slip coating to your floor.  There are products available that add friction to your floor, with only minimal alteration to the floor’s appearance.  With a single coating, you can have a non slip floor, and be free of any worries about slipping across your kitchen floor and “cracking your head open” – as your parents probably warned you about as a child.
• Slipping and falling is not merely limited to tile or stone floors.  Stairs are another potential source of injury.  If you have any stair cases in your home, make sure they have a hand rail to grab onto in the event that someone slips or trips.
• The bathroom is yet another hazard zone for falling.  Make sure your bathtub has a slip prevention mat, as falling in the tub is a common cause of injury.