Personal Injury Blog

 

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According to the CDC, in 2014 there were 136,053 deaths caused by unintentional injury. Many accidents are preventable, and raising awareness about how to avoid being injured is something that can benefit us all.

Falling

Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury in the United States. Most falls are preventable. hese tips can help keep you and your loved ones avoid falling and being severely injured.

To prevent falls in older adults and in children:

  • Install grab bars and use non-slip mats in showers and tubs
  • Use stair rails
  • Make sure your home is adequately lit
  • Keep stairs in good repair
  • Keep stairs and floors free of clutter
  • Use safety gates in homes with babies and young children

Whether you're at home, work or out shopping, many falls can be prevented. Always keep an eye out for unsafe conditions and watch your step. National Safety Month is a good time to reevaluate the safety of your home and make changes if necessary.

Workplace Injuries

According to US Department of Labor statistics, in 2015, there were approximately 2.9 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry in the United States. 937 of fatal injuries were in in the private construction industry. These five factors often go into people being hurt on the job, especially in construction:

  • Injuries from repeated lifting, pushing, carrying, pulling, or throwing
  • Injuries from falling or tripping
  • Injuries from standing, bending, climbing, reaching, slipping or tripping
  • Falling off of something to a lower level
  • Being struck by an object

If you are lifting something heavy, ask for help or use equipment to assist with the task. Make sure to learn proper techniques for lifting or moving heavy objects.

Keep the floor and your work area clean and clutter-free. Wearing anti-slip footwear can also prevent injuries. If you notice liquid of any kind on the floor, clean it up immediately and put out a caution sign. Always make sure ladders are in working order, and wear hardhats, safety goggles, and face shields.

These are just a few examples of what can be done to reduce the incidence of injury at work. If you are injured on the job, inform your supervisor immediately. Failure to inform your employer of your injury may result in the loss of your right to workers’ compensation benefits. Contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the often complicated process of filing a claim.

Traffic, Auto and Pedestrian Safety during National Safety Month

According to the CDC, over 30,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes each year in the United States. The following tips can help you and your family stay safe whether you are driving, riding as a passenger, or walking:

  • Use seat belts and car seats properly. Seat belts significantly reduce the likelihood of death when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Making sure children are properly strapped in is also a must.
  • Drive defensively. Always be aware of what other drivers are up to on the road. When approaching intersection, make sure to look around to avoid drivers who may blow through red lights or stop signs.
  • Pay attention. Do NOT get distracted by texting or talking on a cell phone. Accidents can happen in a split second, and no text message or phone call is more important than a life. Don’t let yourself get distracted by children or other people who are in the car with you. Be safe and pull over. Always use crosswalks when walking across the street. Even if you have a green light and the coast appears clear, pay attention to your surroundings. Being struck as a pedestrian can cause serious injury or death.
  • Turn on your headlights. Making yourself as visible as possible when you are driving gives other drivers a chance to see you coming. If you have to pull over on the shoulder of a highway, turn on your flashers, pull off to the side as far as you can and use extra caution if you step out of the car.
  • Use your turn signals. Accidents often occur when a driver turns without signaling and other drivers don’t react quickly enough to avoid a collision.
  • Use caution when riding a motorcycle. To avoid or reduce your chance of injury in a motorcycle accident, wear a good helmet and proper gear, obey the rules of the road, and make sure other drivers are aware of your presence.
  • Don’t drink and drive. It is essential to have a designated driver if you have been drinking. Alcohol-impaired drivers cause a multitude of serious injuries and deaths every day. Be safe and let someone who’s sober take the wheel, or take an Uber or Lyft.
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