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While home may feel like a particularly cozy and safe space this time of year, local Occupational Safety Solutions, LLC CEO Bradford Holman believes that there are 12 looming dangers of the holiday season to look out for.
“Unfortunately, today our homes are not safe. This is amplified during the holiday season, but the great news is we can individually and collectively prevent these mishaps,” said Holman. “As a practicing certified safety professional living in Elgin, I would like to offer my list of dangers in hopes of having a season free of injury and property damage.”
Flammables
Nearly 156,000 house fires light during the winter holidays nationwide, claiming over 600 lives and $936 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Of these, residential structure fires kill 530 and injure 2,600 individuals.
The holiday season is also the season of storing flammables in the home. It’s the time for lighting candles, having fires in the hearth and cooking projects.
To stay safe, keep flammables and heat sources separate. Turn off Christmas lights and other decorations before leaving and going to bed, and ensure fire extinguishers are functional and easily accessible.
While the ladder is out for decorations, make sure to check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, suggests Holman.
Heavy lifting
Heavy lifting accounts for 52% of back injuries, a result of lifting Christmas trees, decorations and bulky gifts, according to Holman.
The safety professional recommends using proper lifting techniques, like bending at the knees with a straight back and lifting with the legs. Partner up for difficult lifts when possible.
Traffic accidents
Traffic accidents are a very present threat during the holidays, according to Holman. Drunk driving accounts for 38% of crashes this time of year, with 52% of fatalities involving individuals not wearing seatbelts.
“Wear a seat beat, don’t drive distracted and don’t drive impaired,” said the CEO.
When travelling over the river and through the wood, make sure to account for the weather.
Sharp tools
Wrapping presents, broken ornaments and difficult packaging lead to about 43% of holiday lacerations, according to Holman.
To avoid this, use the right cutting tools for the job. Make sure any broken ornaments are quickly cleaned up and be very careful when cutting and trimming trees.
Christmas trees
Trees are difficult to maneuver, heavy, flammable, often fall on people and pets and frequently poke children in the eye. Not only that, but mold on the trees can cause severe allergies for some.
To stay safe, use two people when positioning a tree and keep it three feet away from heat sources. Get an appropriately sized tree for each home, water the tree frequently and remove it when it starts to lose needles. A vinegar solution can help keep the tree clean and mold free for those with allergy issues.
Slips, trips and falls
Tumbles are especially inevitable during the holiday season, according to the Elgin Safety Advisory Committee member, due to extension cords, crowding, slippery sidewalks and toys.
Make sure to keep sideways clear of snow and ice, even in Texas. Keep cords out of high traffic areas and keep a separate play area for toys when possible.
Falls from heights Decorating tends to come with its own set of hazards, with the biggest being falling from heights. Around 5,000 people fall while decorating each year, with 43% of those falls being from ladders, according to Holman.
Decorate safely and always use the right tools for the job, he suggests. This means strictly using ladders and step stools, not chairs or the arm of a sofa. Make sure to maintain three points of contact, and don’t risk safety for Christmas lights.
Christmas lights
Shocks from Christmas lights claim about 715 individuals each year, according to Holman.
To avoid shock, check Christmas lights for cracked sockets or frayed wires. Don’t use damaged electrical cords, and only use outdoor lights outdoors, without overloading a circuit.
Food poisoning
Food is a well-known part of holiday traditions, and food poisoning is always a concern when cooking for the masses.
Make sure food is prepared safely, refrigerated properly and cooked thoroughly. Remember to ask visitors about any allergies when hosting.
Alcohol consumption
The average American sees a 100% increase in their drinking habits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, according to Holman.
Make sure to stay hydrated with water, sip slowly, pace out drinks and get a designated driver for any rides home. If children are around, don’t leave half-empty drinks unattended.
Shopping mishaps
With how busy Christmas shopping can be, stores and shopping areas can quickly become overcrowded. Confrontations and tension can lead to unwanted altercations.
Consider shopping during less crowded hours, or shopping online. Be patient with inconveniences and remember to be considerate of challenges retail employees are facing during the seasonal rush.
Colds
The common cold tends to thrive during these chillier months, according to Holman.
Wear masks when needed, wash hands often and social distance when possible to lessen susceptibility.
Guest writer Bradford Holman contributed to this article.
