Most workers have been trained to work safely on the job. However, that same worker will think nothing of taking shortcuts when they are at home. Safety rules and regulations are not meant to be a burden. They are meant for your protection and the protection of everyone around you, to save your life or to prevent serious injury.

A recent study revealed that accidents away from work accounted for more that 70 percent of all deaths and more than 55 percent of all injuries to employees. Each year home accidents:

  • Injure about 25 million people.
  • Kill about 20 thousand people.
  • Cost approximately 10 Million dollars for medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Cause physical and emotional suffering that cannot be measured in dollars and cents but cost a family plenty in pain, uncertainty and grief.

Where do injuries occur off the job?

  • Transportation; Accidents involving cars, bicycles, buses, motorcycles, trains, boats, planes and pedestrians.
  • Home: Accidents caused by vehicles, firearms, machinery, tools, fire, explosion, slips, striking objects, animal or insects, fights, assaults, etc.

The following list contains the most common off-the-job safety hazards and what can be done to eliminate them.

  • Falls: Use ladders properly, use safety belts, clean up spills, maintain adequate lighting, use hand rails and clear the clutter off stairs and out of entrances.
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Practice defensive driving. Do not speed. Exercise extreme caution in snow or rain.
  • Poisoning: Be familiar with the poisons around your home. Know what antidotes to use. Know how to contact your local poison center. Keep poisons and medications out of the reach of children.
  • Fire: Install smoke detectors. Purchase a fire extinguisher and know how to use it. Inspect your attic, basement, garage and closets for fire hazards. Inspect your electrical wiring. Have a fire escape plan and practice using it.
  • Drowning: Make sure you and your family know how to swim. If you enjoy boating, enroll in a safe boating course. Install anti-slip strips in your tub and shower.
  • Electric Shock: Inspect appliances, lamps, cords, outlets. etc.. Avoid wet environments when working with electricity and use the proper size fuses.
  • Back Injuries: Practice safe lifting and carrying techniques.