Just because it’s around the holiday season doesn’t mean that we’re any less susceptible to personal injury accidents. In fact, given the time of year, injuries cases typically increase due to winter weather. Accidents often occur around this time of year because as people become so busy running around trying to complete pre- and post-holiday tasks. These tasks can lead to serious accidents, such as falling while trying to put up or take down holiday decorations.
Slip and falls make up the leading cause of death inside the home with around 6,000 fatalities each year. Falls inside the home are very preventable if precautions are taken while participating in certain activities.
Here are some surprising decorating injury statistics according to the CDC:
- Almost half (about 43%) of holiday accidents involve falling from ladders
- Over half (62%) of accidents involve 29-49 year olds
- Of the 1.9 million falling injures, over half are from heights – typically the top of a ladder or from a roof
- Males are more often involved in such accidents – about 40% more likely than females
Holiday Safety Tips
Don’t want to be a statistic? Here are some tips for staying safe while putting up or taking down holiday decorations this year:
- Keep your pathways clutter-free. Ensure that all debris and objects are kept out of the paths on which people will walk. This includes making sure extension cords are tucked away.
- Pass on decorating the roof. Decorating your roof can be dangerous. Always check your gutters, shingles and any other decorating surface. Additionally, make sure there’s no ice.
- Watch for children. If you involve your children in your decorating, make sure they don’t try to climb ladders or use electrical equipment.
- Decorate before dark. While lights may be easier to see in the dark, other hazards such as ice may be harder to see.
- Recruit an assistant. Make sure to have someone hold your ladder and hand you things so you don’t have to go up and down repeatedly, thus increasing the risk of an accident.
From the attorneys at The Babcock Law firm, we hope you had a safe and happy holiday season. If you were injured in the course of your festivities because of the negligence of an individual or business, contact us today for a free consultation.
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