FALL SAFETY: Tricks to keep your Halloween accident-free
Keep hazards from haunting your Halloween
Fall has arrived—which means Halloween is just around the corner. But before you hang the spider webs and carve those pumpkins, it’s important to remember that there are some hidden hazards lurking about.
It’s easy to forget that it’s not just children at risk of an injury or accident during the spooky season, and the dangers may surprise you.
Here are some hair-raising numbers from the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission: there’s been an annual average of more than 3,000 Halloween-related injuries in the U.S. treated in the ER over the past 3 years—and 54% of those injured were adults.
Pumpkin carving accidents and falls associated with decorations and costumes account for a frightening 80% of emergency care visits. The bright side of this statistic is that these accidents may be prevented with the right precautions.
Tricks to Prevent Accidents & Falls
What may seem like one of the most harmless Halloween activities causes the most reported injuries. Pumpkin carving accounts for 55% of reported injuries related to Halloween, mostly lacerations to the hands. They say leave the pumpkin carving to adults, but what can the adults do to stay safe?
Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips
Use a high-quality pumpkin carving kit and work slowly
Wear gardening gloves to protect hands
Use cookie cutters and a rubber mallet to stamp out design
When carving, rest pumpkin in lap with a thick towel to steady it
Fall Prevention Tips
The next biggest hazard of the season which accounts for 25% of injuries are falls associated with decorations, tripping on costumes or walking while trick-or-treating. Many of these injuries are associated with ladder-use while decorating and tripping on decorations or extension cords.
Ladders are one of the most dangerous tools we use because we underestimate their risk. In fact, ladders are more dangerous than power saws, nail guns, and welding tools combined. Always practice ladder safety when decorating by knowing the basics.
Ladder Safety Tips
Check your ladder for structural issues before every use
Position ladder solidly on all legs, never lean against gutters or walls
Always have a spotter
Never lean your body to reach, reposition ladder instead
Decoration Safety Tips
Ensure that all decorations are securely fastened and stable
Avoid placing them in areas where easily knocked over or tripped on
Secure extension cords with tape to avoid trip hazards
Properly light walkways
Costume Safety Tips
Be mindful of your costume’ potential tripping hazards and make adjustments
Wear shoes that fit well and are slip-resistant
Halloween should be a spine-chillingly good time, but it's important to keep safety in mind. Whether you’re conjuring up creepy decorations or transforming into a frightful creature, taking a few extra precautions can go a long way in preventing accidents and falls.