How to Prevent Unintended Injuries

Unintended injuries are accidents that result in harm. They are very common and can happen almost anywhere. Most occur at home or in the car. Examples include car accidents, drownings, machinery accidents, drug overdoses, falls, and fires. Unintended injuries can be serious.

Most unintended injuries are preventable. Taking some simple steps in your daily life can reduce your risk of unintended injury.

What lifestyle changes can be made?

• Look for tripping hazards around your home, such as loose rugs and cords where people walk. Use no-slip mats and install grab bars in the bathroom.
• Make sure you do not plug too many things into an outlet at one time.
• Be careful when using ladders or power tools at home and work. Put these items away as soon as you are done using them.
• When driving or riding in a car, always wear your seat belt. Obey the speed limit and traffic laws.
• Do not use power tools or drive when you are sleepy or impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol while doing activities that require a lot of energy or concentration. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink before or during recreational activities.
• Use a handrail when walking up and down stairs.
• Consider using night lights.
• Store kitchen knives in a safe place. Use them carefully.

What child-proofing changes can be made?

Take these steps to make your house safer for children:

• Keep medicines and cleaning products secured and out of the reach of children.
• Put plug covers on all electrical outlets.
• Install window guards on upper levels.
• Keep small items out of the reach of young children. A child could choke on anything that is small enough to fit inside a toilet paper tube.
• Practice kitchen safety. Handles of pots and pans should always be turned inward when cooking on the stove.

Why are these changes important?

These changes can:

• Reduce your chance of having an accident.
• Reduce likelihood of injury or the severity of injury from any accidents you have.

How else can I protect myself?

• Take swimming lessons to prevent water-related accidents.
• Wear appropriate safety gear when riding a bicycle or participating in sports.
• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Check the batteries yearly.
• Make sure that you and everyone in your home knows basic first aid, including what to do when someone is choking.
• Make sure that your workplace is safe and follows guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Where to find more information

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/programs/prevention-and-wellness/healthy-lifestyle/index.html  
• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/injury-and-violence-prevention  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/injury/index.html  

Summary

• Most unintended injuries are preventable.
• Making simple lifestyle changes, such as changing your home environment and your driving habits, can prevent many unintended injuries.
• Take precautions at work and during recreational activities to avoid unintended injuries.