Most of us don’t even think about injuries until they happen. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but there are many injuries and accidents that can be avoided. Personal injuries are bad enough in themselves, but even worse when we find ourselves having to pay out for our own or others injuries too. So what some of the basics we can do to avoid these happening?
Around the home
- Keep your home clear of clutter that can cause slips and falls. Things lying around the floor or yard can all too easily be tripped over.
- Keep any poisonous substances well out of reach of children.
- Never store any of these substances in anything other than the container they originally came in.
- Keep your hot water temperature turned down. 120_F, 49_C is the recommended level.
- Have smoke alarms installed and always have a fire extinguisher ready.
- Keep paths, decks and stairways clean so they don’t become slippery.
- Use non-slip mats anywhere you need a mat.
- Have your property fenced for the safety of both children and pets.
- Install outdoor lighting especially on paths.
- Routinely make a check on any maintenance that may need doing.
On the Road
- Keep your insurances up to date.
- Keep your vehicle in good condition, especially check tires.
- Keep a first aid kit in your car at all times.
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Don’t drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs.
- Always wear your seat belt, and use approved car seats for babies and children.
- Don’t drive when you are too tired.
- Keep your cool – retaliating with road rage is a sure way to cause or be involved in an accident
- Never text or talk on your mobile while driving
- Watch out for children always – a ball on the road probably means a child is coming after it.
At Work
- Be aware of your company’s safety policies and follow them.
- Report anything you see such as loose flooring, handrails etc.
- Make sure your seating is comfortable if you are doing sedentary work. Complain if it isn’t. Back injuries and repetitive strain injuries are very common.
- Do not put up with any harassment. Emotional and psychological abuse is a personal injury and your place of work can be liable. Let them know.
- Read your company’s safety policy and any contracts you are expected to sign regarding personal injury liability.
On Holiday
- Take out travel insurance.
- If you are traveling to a different country make sure you know what their personal injury policies are.
- Take your own first aid kit. Make sure to include sun block, and antihistamines along with the usual band aids.
- If you are driving in a foreign country make sure you understand any differences in their rode code.
There are a myriad of situations we can find ourselves in that could cause injury. While there is always risk we don’t need to wrap up ourselves or our children in cotton wool. Risk reduction is really about simple common sense.
Additional Website: The Weinstein Law Firm. Personal Injury Lawyers Serving All of Coral Springs, Florida.