Common safety hazards can occur anywhere, but thankfully most are easy to avoid. From major accidents to simple slip-ups, you don’t want to spend every waking moment worrying about safety.
Safety is one of the most important things in life, but it can be easy for this to slip your mind when there are so many other things to focus on. You don’t want to spend every waking moment worrying about safety.
Staying safe can be easy to neglect when there are always other things to focus on. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common safety hazards you should be aware of — and how to prevent them from happening.
Substances
Most homes are full of substances, but some can be dangerous to your health. Pesticides, household cleaners, prescriptions, and other chemicals should be kept locked away where kids or pets can’t get into them. You should also be careful about what kinds of cleaning products you use around the home; harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs.
Similarly, you should keep all paint away from kids. Art supplies such as markers and crayons should also be kept out of reach. Keeping your home as chemical-free as possible can minimize the risk for safety hazards and keep you and your family safe.
Electrical Hazards
There’s a reason why kids aren’t allowed to play with electricity — it’s dangerous. It’s important to never overload your household electrical sockets and to also make sure that anything plugged in is properly grounded.
If you have an older home with three-prong outlets you should go out and purchase some three-prong outlets for all your appliances. This way, they can fit into the socket without falling out easily.
Another household electrical hazard is extension cords; they should never be used for permanent installation, and if you have to use them, make sure you place them in an inconspicuous area so no one trips over them.
It’s easy to overload kitchen sockets with appliances. Be careful when plugging in your toaster, coffee-maker, and microwave. It’s also important to not place cords near water; you don’t want them pinched or tangled in something that could cause burning or shocks.
Water Safety
A little water may seem harmless, but it can be a major safety hazard if you’re not careful. Water-related safety hazards include water heaters, swimming pools, and baths or showers.
Water heaters are important to properly maintain for personal safety as well as the safety of your home. Make sure you inspect your tank regularly for cracks or leaks; it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Another big safety hazard for water is swimming pools. They should always be fenced properly and have covers over them if you aren’t using them. It’s also important to test your pool chemistry often to ensure it remains balanced, as well as never leave small children alone near the pool area — no matter how careful you are.
Your bathroom and shower can also be dangerous if you’re not careful! Although it’s hard to think of showers as a hazard, the scalding water combined with soapy floors and slippery tubs can create an unsafe situation easily. Make sure you always use your safety mat and clean up spills immediately.
Heating System Failure or Malfunction
Keeping your home warm in the winter is an important safety hazard. It’s crucial to check regularly for any problems with your heating system or hearth. Make sure you have them inspected and cleaned annually by professionals — especially if they’re gas-powered!
You might need a furnace repair service if you’ve noticed a decrease in the amount of heat your furnace puts out, if it’s making unusual noises, or if smoke is coming from some part of the unit. If any of these things happen, do not attempt to fix them yourself — have a professional come and determine what needs to be done.
Walls and Ceilings
It may seem strange to think of ceilings as a safety hazard, but anything that could fall out of your walls can be potentially dangerous. Check for cracks in your ceiling or damage to the drywall. If you see any, contact professionals to repair them immediately.
Make sure that everything hanging on the wall is secure enough not to fall or crack. If you have heavy paintings, mirrors, or wall decor hanging on the walls, make sure they’re properly secured so that they don’t fall and hurt anybody.
All of these common safety hazards can be prevented with a little caution and attention. Find out if your home is prone to any of these hazards and make sure you take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your family. If you do encounter one, make sure you contact trusted professionals as soon as possible.
