Safety In The Home

In New Zealand about 1 person a minute is injured at home in accidents that a few safety precautions could prevent. Falls and trips are common, burns and cuts in the kitchen, playing with new tools (interestingly you are 8 times more likely to be injured with a non-powered than a powered tool).

Have a look around your home and use this checklist from the ACC.

* Make sure stairs are well-lit and clear of junk such as toys, sports equipment and shoes. Take stairs one at a time and use the handrail.

* When using a ladder, ask someone else to hold it steady and make sure the ladder is stable before climbing up. Always keep at least three points of contact, for example two feet and one hand.

* When you’re handling new power tools, learn how to use them first. It is also very important to use a Residual Current Device (RCD) when outside. An RCD could save you from being electrocuted when working with power tools outside

* Put safety catches on cupboards holding poisons or knives, and keep cupboard doors closed so you don’t walk into them. Clean up any spills as soon as you see them.

For more ideas see this ACC Home Safety dedicated website.