by Safety Management Group
Most of us are excited about summer’s arrival, because it means we’ll be able to get back outside and enjoy the long days and warm weather. But far too many people end up spending part of the summer in their local hospital’s emergency room because they did something that just wasn’t safe.
Sure, you’re probably familiar with the basic safety rules surrounding summer activities, and might think it’s funny for us to remind you about how to behave around lawnmowers, barbecue grills, or fireworks. But just as our professionals know it’s important to remind workers about jobsite hazards and safety measures every day, we hope you’ll look through the safety tips and share them with others at your workplace. After all, taking a few moments to review some basic rules beats spending hours in an ER waiting for treatment (and a scolding from a doctor).
Think your home is a safe place? According to the Home Safety Council, homes are the second most common location of unintentional fatalities, with roughly 20,000 people dying in incidents at their homes. Falls are the biggest single cause, but poisoning, fires and burns, choking/suffocation, and drowning all claim many victims. It’s not just fatalities, either. Just about 12 million nonfatal injuries happen in homes – with falls accounting for 5.1 million of them.
An interesting finding by the Home Safety Council is that 92 percent of people reported that they often think about home safety, and six out of ten “feel there are actions” that could be taken to improve safety at home. Still, only slightly more than a third could actually identify an action that would make their homes safer. That’s why we’ve taken the time to offer up a wide array of things you should and shouldn’t do around the house during summer.
Lawnmowers
We think of gas and electric lawnmowers as a tremendous convenience (or at least a way to handle a dreaded chore). But it’s important to remember that a lawnmower combines a powerful engine with a sharp steel blade that spins at high speed. You might never place your foot within inches of an operating industrial motor or air handler, but you probably expose yourself to that much risk each time you mow the lawn. Little wonder than more than 55,000 people suffer lawnmower-related injuries each year. How can you protect yourself?
- Keep your lawnmower in good working order by following the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
- Do not remove guards and other safety equipment, because they’re there for a reason.
- Take a few minutes to inspect your yard for sticks and other debris. Even if they don’t become projectiles, they can dull or chip your cutting blade.
- Never mow barefoot or in sandals. Wear good strong shoes, such as hiking or golf shoes.
- Safety goggles and can protect your eyes from small rocks and other debris.
- Be especially careful when mowing on sloped or wet surfaces.
- If you need to fill the gas tank, wait until you shut the mower off.
Grills
Steaks, burgers, and hot dogs always taste better when cooked on a grill. In addition to the normal injuries that can result from cooking, grilling outdoors introduces a variety of hazards, most related to fire and fuels. How can you grill more safely?
- Inspect and clean your gas grill regularly. Check the hoses and tubing to make sure that spiders or grease aren’t blocking the flow of gas, and make sure there are no signs of leaks or brittleness. If any tubes or fittings appear to be worn, replace them.
- If you detect a problem with the gas tank or tank valve, have an appliance repair person or gas dealer inspect and repair it before you use the grill.
- Keep gas hoses as far from hot surfaces as possible when cooking.
- If you smell gas before or while cooking, turn off the gas supply and have the leak repaired. If the combustion system is clean, you should not be able to smell any gas at all.
- Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from buildings and other flammable surfaces. More than one homeowner has learned the hard way that vinyl siding can melt when exposed to high heat.
- Do not store flammable liquids or spare gas containers near the grill.
- Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors or in enclosed areas (including tents). Combustion produces deadly, odorless carbon monoxide gas.
Pools
When it comes to pools, the best defense against injuries or drowning is a good defense – and a good fence! The most basic safety step with pools is to have a secure fence all the way around the pool, preferably at least four feet tall. Keep in mind that small children can be very creative problem-solvers, and if you leave a way for them to get past the fence, they’ll find it. Other pool tips include:
- Have rescue equipment (including a pole with a hook made from a nonconductor such as fiberglass) and a phone near the pool.
- Be sure that a responsible adult is present all the time. Never leave kids in the pool without supervision.
- Don’t count on inexpensive inflatable items as safety devices for kids.
Bikes, scooters, skates and skateboards
They all offer great ways to get around in the summer, and many of them provide a good workout to help you build up muscle and work off those long-ago holiday dinners. The key to using them safely is to follow common-sense rules:
- Wear protective equipment, such as helmets and knee pads. People don’t like helmets because they can “mess up” hair, but a head injury is far more devastating.
- If you expect your kids to use protective equipment, you should do the same. Kids learn best by example.
- As with driving, it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings and other people around you – especially those who aren’t watching where they are going.
- Don’t be lulled into safety by thinking you’re on familiar ground. It’s just as easy to get hurt in your driveway or the sidewalk in front of your house.
Fireworks
It’s great to celebrate America’s birthday with bright, colorful displays, but don’t lose sight of the fact the most fireworks are miniature explosive or incendiary devices, and that even a small item can cause severe injury. Remember those stupid, dangerous things you did with fireworks as a kid? Don’t let your children make the same mistakes. Follow these simple rules:
- Whenever you light fireworks, have a hose or water-filled bucket nearby in case one of them starts an unexpected fire.
- Don’t let young children use fireworks by themselves. When you set off fireworks with them, show them safe ways to light them.
- Throw used fireworks in a bucket of water to cool them off and douse any lingering flames.
- Fireworks and intoxicated people are not a good mix. If someone has been drinking, keep them away from the fireworks.
- Even sparklers can cause serious burns. They seem simple, but can burn as a hot as 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, make sure everyone at home has a basic understanding of first aid and what to do in an injury. That way, if something does happen to dampen your summer fun, you’ll be prepared.