Common Injuries Around The Holidays and How To Prevent Them

#AskKevinButler

Everyone looks forward to the holiday season for its festivities and good cheer. Keeping family and friends safe should be high on the holiday wish list as people hurry about to complete last minute shopping and preparations. The holidays bring with them a higher risk of injury in the home and on the road, so taking a few precautions could help make for a healthier and safer holiday this year.

Injuries from falls dampen holiday cheer

Brightly-colored and twinkling lights give a home the look of the holidays, but falls account for 40 percent of serious injuries, including:

• Spinal injuries
• Head trauma
• Traumatic brain injury
• Bone fractures
• Death

Before climbing that ladder to string lights or hang a wreath, take the following precautions to prevent a fall and injury:

• Use a ladder that is high enough to avoid having to stand on the last rung or step.
• Work with a partner who can hand you things and steady the ladder when necessary.
• Position the ladder to avoid reaching beyond arm’s length.
• When working near power lines, take care to avoid making contact with them.
• Do not drink alcohol or take medications that could make you dizzy.

Many people do not feel comfortable working on ladders or at heights. If you are one of them, ask a friend or hire someone to do that part of the decorating for you.

Holiday fires should be confined to the fireplace

Electrical fires and electrical shocks are common during the holiday season because of all of the decorations people use in and around their homes. Buying a brand new set of lights or a new electric-powered decoration is no guarantee it is free from shock and fire hazards. Before buying lights and decorations, check to determine if they have been subject to a safety recall by the government. Other things you can do to protect yourself and your family from electrical hazards include:

• Only purchase electrical products certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada or CSA Group and read the safety labels for limitations on use of the product.
• Do not use lights or decorations with frayed wiring or broken sockets.
• Plugging too many items into an outlet can cause an overload and a fire.
• Do not leave lights on when you go out or go to bed.
• Do not use indoor lights outside.

Candles can be knocked over by people, children or pets and cause a fire. New products on the market use battery-powered bulbs that look almost like a real candle flame.

If purchasing a real Christmas tree, be aware that allowing it to dry out creates a fire hazard. Keep the tree in a stand specifically made for that purpose and keep it filled with water. Check the water level several times a day and add water as needed.

Position the tree away from heat and flame sources, such as fireplaces, stoves, candles and radiators. Avoid placing the tree where people could knock into it and send it crashing to the floor.

Be of good cheer, but don’t drive

If you are celebrating the holidays with a toast or two, designate a nondrinker to do the driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs puts you and others at risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Motorists who are tired, talking or texting, or drinking should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Enjoy the holidays, but live to celebrate them again next year.

When holiday injuries are caused by others

A holiday injury caused by the negligence of another person could entitle you to compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamondhave years of experience handling claims for compensation by victims of accidents caused by negligent or careless people or companies. Don’t delay, contact our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now about your claim. Consultations are free, and we have offices located throughout Ontario.