Preventing Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls are the number one reported general industry accident causing personal injury, second only to car accident injuries. In fact, the Bureau of State Risk Management has labeled “slips, trips and falls” as one of the top five causes of workers’ compensation claims in recent years. Falls are also one of the second-leading cause of unintentional non-work related injuries and deaths in the United States, causing approximately 8.9 million visits to the emergency department and 25,000 deaths annually.
Adults aged 55 and older are more prone to falling and experiencing personal injuries than those in younger age groups. The number deaths from falling among those 65 and older are four times the number of fall deaths among all other age groups.
Slips, trips, and falls can cause a huge variety of personal injuries from small to very serious including decreased mobility, back and hip pain, head injuries, back injuries, broken bones, cuts and lacerations, and sprained muscles.
Slip, Trip and Fall Defined
Slip– A slip happens when there is too little traction or friction between the shoe and walking surface, which most commonly causes the person to fall backward.
Trip-A trip happens when a person’s foot connects unexpectedly with an object in their way or a drop in walking surface, and causes them to be thrown off-balance. A trip most often results in a person falling forward.
Fall-A fall occurs when a person is too far off-balance.
Common Hazards that Lead to Slips, Trips, and Falls
There are many situations that may cause slips, trips, and falls including weather conditions such as ice, snow, rain, or mud, insufficient lighting, wet or slippery spots, greasy or polished floors, loose flooring, shifting floor tiles, uneven or torn carpeting, uneven hard walking surfaces such as potholes in parking lots, clutter, electrical cords, open desk drawers and filing cabinets, and loose, irregular surfaces such as gravel.
Common Locations for Slips, Trips, and Falls
Curbs, ramps, doorways, parking lots, lawns, hard-wood flooring, areas with heavy traffic, cluttered walkways, un-guarded heights, ladders, stairs, uneven sidewalks, and unstable work surfaces all have the potential to cause significant injuries from slips, trips, or falls.
Most slip, trip and fall accidents are actually preventable when general precautions, awareness, and safety measures are applied. The number one way to prevent slip and fall injuries is to be aware of where you are going and pay attention to your walking surface. If you see or experience a slip, trip, or fall you should report it, even if it’s minor. It could prevent someone from experiencing a more serious injury in the future.
Tips on Preventing Falls
- Secure lose electrical or phone cords away from traffic areas
- Remove small throw rugs or at least use non-skid mats to keep them from slipping
- Remove tripping hazards (clutter) from stairs and walkways
- Repair damaged steps and walkways as needed
- Never stand on a wheeled chair, table or other surface
- Clean up all spills as soon as they occur
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreFood Allergy Reactions
Approximately 15 million Americans have food allergies that can cause mild to severe reactions; some allergies can even cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. One in every 13 children has a serious food allergy, which equals two children in every classroom. As the school year starts, many parents of children with food allergies will be concerned about keeping their child safe from the allergens that can cause a reaction, most commonly peanuts and tree nuts in classrooms. A reaction to a food allergy can range from a mild response such as an itchy mouth all the way to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially deadly reaction. Being informed about food allergy facts and statistics can help better prepare parents to handle their child’s food allergies and give a realistic perspective on the dangers of an allergic reaction.
According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent between 1997 and 2011 without a known reason. These eight foods are responsible for 90 percent of food allergies: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause a reaction such as peanut oil left of a desk.
Anaphylaxis Defined
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction and it can happen within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen such as peanuts, shell fish, a bee sting, or even latex. Anaphylaxis causes your immune system to release of flurry of chemicals that can send your body into shock. Most notably, blood pressure drops suddenly and your airways narrow which blocks normal breathing. Others should look for a rapid, weak pulse, a skin rash, and nausea with vomiting although it is possible to have anaphylaxis without a rash or hives.
If you suspect that someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock take them to the emergency room immediately where they will be treated by an injection of epinephrine. If anaphylaxis isn’t treated right away, it can lead to unconsciousness or even death. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can come back after initially subsiding and experts recommend an observation period of about four hours to monitor that the reaction has been resolved.
Food Allergy Reactions Facts and Statistics
- Every three minutes, an American has a food allergy reaction strong enough to warrant a trip to the emergency department. This accounts for more than 200,000 emergency department visits per year.
- Food allergies result in more than 300,000 calls for an ambulance a year for children under the age of 18. Food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside of hospital care.
- Teenagers and young adults with food allergies are the age group with the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis.
- People with food allergies combined with asthma may be at increased risk for severe/fatal food allergy reactions.
Food Allergy Risk Factors
- A food allergy can begin at any age.
- Allergies are genetic: those whose parents suffer from allergies have a greater chance of developing a food allergy.
- Children with food allergies are 2 to 4 times more likely to have other related conditions such as asthma and other allergies, compared with children who do not have food allergies.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MorePrevent a Road Trip Accident!
Road trips are a classic family vacation; the adventure and freedom of the open road is a huge allure. Nothing, however, can put a damper on a great road trip faster than a car accident. To stay safe, it is important to be prepared and follow some basic safety tips. Planning is a key component to a safe and fun road trip; this includes planning your route carefully, allowing enough time to get there, and ensuring that your car is in good running condition. Driver fatigue is a common problem on long road trips; reasonable rest stops should be built into the road trip plan to avoid putting yourself and others on the road at risk for an accident.
Road Trip Safety Tips
- Before you leave on your trip, have your car serviced and given a full safety check up including:
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- Tires and tire pressure (including your spare)
- Fluid levels
- Lights
- Cooling systems (and fluid levels)
- Belts and hoses
- Brakes
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- Pack jumper cables and tire changing equipment
- Map out your trip in advance to make sure you are comfortable with the route
- Allow plenty of time to get to your destination (include planned rest stops at least every two hours or 100 miles). Do not drive for more than eight hours per day to help limit fatigue and to stave off “road hypnosis”
- Pull over for a power nap if you feel tired
- Share the driving with another responsible driver if possible
- Never drink alcohol or take any drugs that could alter your mental state before or during a road trip
- Try to get a solid night’s sleep the night before you leave
- Avoid long stretches of driving in the middle of the night (or whenever you would normally be sleeping)
- Drive within the speed limit and drive appropriately for the weather conditions, terrain, time of day/night, and level of traffic
- Make sure all passengers wear appropriate seatbelts or child restraints, including pets
- Store all luggage securely so in case of sudden braking it won’t go flying off the roof of the car or hit a passenger in the head
- Avoid driving distractions such as heated conversations and mobile phone use. Have a passenger adjust the radio, do not stare at a map or GPS, and keep your eyes on the road. Distracted drivers are the leading cause of car accidents.
- Always drive defensively; it will help you be aware of hazards and obstacles on the road, as well as others that may be driving recklessly.
- Pack a camera just in case you have an accident so the damage can be documented for your insurance company
These road trip safety tips can help you have an accident free trip. Even if the unexpected happens such as a stalled car or a popped tire, you will be ready to get back on the road in no time.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreAvoiding Classroom Accidents
Parents of school aged children have “back to school” on their minds. There will be adjustments as children meet a new teacher and get back into the routine of daily lessons. Principles, school district employees, and teachers will also be thinking about how to avoid classroom accidents. The best ways to avoid classroom accidents are to create a safe environment, supervise appropriately, and teach safety skills. Removing potential hazards from the classroom environment ranks as the most critical factor in avoiding classroom accidents; a safe environment also frees the teacher to focus on teaching and bonding with the children.
How to Create a Safe Classroom Environment
Entrances and Exits
- All steps and entrance ramps should have sturdy handrails with a bar each for adults and children.
- Doors should remain unlocked during open hours.
- Hallways should be well lit and free of excessive clutter.
Windows
- Low windows are a safety hazard. Create a barrier in front of them by securing plastic safety gate panels to the walls to form a “fence” in front of the windows.
- Alternately, you can keep windows locked or attach window guards that limit the distance a window may open. To prevent head entrapment, windows should not open more than 3 1/2″.
Floors
- Floors and floor coverings should be clean and kept free of debris or tripping hazards. Check for small, sharp objects such as nails, pins, and staples that may not be easily visible.
- Use carpet tape or rubber backing to prevent rugs from curling or slipping.
- Inspect corners and under furniture for paperclips, toys, and other small items.
Walls
- Inspect walls, wall coverings, bulletin boards, and heat sources, and pictures for potential hazards.
- All electrical outlets should be securely covered when not in use.
- Pictures and wall decorations should be laminated or framed in lightweight plastic frames and securely fastened to the walls.
- Keep flammable items well away from heat sources.
- Bulletin boards should be securely fastened to walls with screws or other hardware installed into the wall studs.
Ceilings
- If your classroom has removable ceiling tiles, check to be sure all are securely in place.
- Check for signs of leaks and notify maintenance.
- Light fixtures should be properly wired and well secured to the ceiling.
- Smoke detectors should be tested monthly.
- Only hang very lightweight items from the ceiling such as paper artwork.
Furniture
- Check furniture for loose or protruding screws, nails, hinges, latches, or broken hardware.
- Furniture should have rounded edges and corners and be painted with non-lead based paint.
- Sand surfaces that are rough or splintered and repair cracks.
- Check doors, legs, joints, and other parts to ensure they are screwed in tightly and are stable.
- Shelves, dressers, and storage cabinets should be securely bolted to walls so they will not fall, even if a child tries to climb it.
- Furniture such as bookshelves should be short and have wide bases to help prevent toppling. Keep heavy items on the bottom shelf.
- Install child stoppers on drawers and cupboards but know that older children can easily open them.
- Electrical appliances should be anchored to the shelf or table with the cord well out of reach.
Toys and Supplies
- Check toys for rough or sharp edges and chipping paint.
- If broken toys can’t be repaired then throw them away.
- Keep toys with small parts out of classrooms with small children.
Poison Prevention
- Check with the nursery to make sure any classroom plants are not poisonous.
- All art supplies should be labeled as non-toxic.
- Store chemical and cleaning solutions and medicines out of reach in locked cabinets.
Storage Closets
- Storage closets, garages, workshops, should be kept locked at all times.
Bathrooms
- If possible, bathrooms should have child-sized fixtures or at the least, sturdy stools to reach fixtures.
- The hot water temperature should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Clean up water spills immediately.
- Keep cleaners locked up and avoid using toilet bowl cleaner, which can be deadly to children.
Kitchens
- If there is a kitchen in your classroom facility keep knives locked away from children’s reach.
- Keep appliance electrical cords out of reach.
- Keep cleaners locked and out of reach.
It is a school’s responsibility to keep children safe and that means keeping classrooms free of hazards, good adult supervision, and teaching children about safety.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreDrowning Accidents
Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year almost 350 children under the age of five drown and 3,600 children end up in the emergency room after nearly drowning in residential swimming pools. Most swimming pool accidents involve drowning, near-fatal submersions, diving mishaps, and falls. The best way to prevent a drowning accident is to be aware of the signs of drowning.
Drowning Statistics
- Nine people drown in the United States every day.
- For every drowning death there are 1 to 4 nonfatal near-drowning accidents serious enough to require hospitalization.
- Drowning is the second highest cause of accidental injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14.
- Drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4.
- Male children drown at twice the rate of female children in swimming pools although female children have twice the rate of drowning in bathtubs.
- Most drownings among children aged 1 to 4 occur in residential swimming pools.
- Drownings can be reduced by 50 to 90 percent with the implementation of a locked four-sided fence that isolates the pool from the house and yard.
- 11 percent of all pool drownings for children under age 5 occur in portable pools.
- 19 percent of child drowning fatalities happen in a public pool with certified lifeguards on duty.
- About 5,000 children 14 and under are admitted to the hospital each year due to accidental drowning-related incidents; 15 percent die and about 20 percent suffer from permanent neurological disability.
- Seventy-seven percent of children who suffer a home-drowning accident had only been missing for five minutes or less when found in the swimming pool and 70 percent weren’t expected to be in or near the pool at the time of the incident.
- In nearly 9 out of 10 child-drowning deaths, a parent or caregiver say they were watching the child.*
- When children learn to swim in formal swimming lessons, the risk of drowning can be reduced by 88 percent among children ages 1 to 4.
*Know the Signs of Drowning
- A drowning child often slips silently beneath the surface; there is often no cry for help, waving arms, wild splashing, or gasping for air.
- Once underwater, a person may not come back to the surface; you often won’t see any bobbing up and down.
- A drowning child can “disappear” underwater; a disturbed water surface, glare, and reflection can all cause submerged bodies to become invisible.
To ensure everyone’s safety, lifeguards should frequently leave the lifeguard stand to see the bottom of the pool. Close supervision by sober adults and life vests for children under the age of 4 are key to swimming safety in private pools.
Pool safety is a serious responsibility. Nonfatal drownings can result in brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning. While lack of swimming ability is a leading cause of drowning, so is negligence by pool owners. Factors like the lack of pool fencing, the absence of close supervision, and the availability of alcohol are frequent causes of drownings.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreWhen should I Replace Car Seats after a Car Accident?!
Car accidents happen every day and often there is a child in the vehicle strapped into a car seat or booster. Even if your car seat appears intact after an accident, the force of the collision can cause unseen damage and may keep the car seat from properly protecting the child in future car accidents. There are no state or federal laws in place saying that car seats must be replaced after a car accident so parents must use their discretion. Your car seat manufacturer should have instructions in the user manual about what to do after a car accident. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends replacing car seats that have been in a moderate or severe car crash. According to the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), a minor car crash may not cause enough damage to warrant a car seat replacement.
If you can say “yes” to all five of these questions, the NHTSA says it’s okay to keep using your car seat but if you are unsure, call the car seat manufacturer.
- Could you drive the car away from the accident?
- Was the door nearest the car seat undamaged?
- Were all occupants of the vehicle uninjured?
- Did the air bags remain un-deployed?
- Is there no visible damage to the car seat?
The NHTSA changed its policy on replacing seats after minor accidents because scientific studies were revealing that car seats continue to meet federal standards for performance and they wanted to ease the financial burden of replacing a seat that may be perfectly good. There was also some concern that some parents would toss the seat but then put the child in the car without a safety seat before they were ready.
Note that it is not a good idea to purchase a used car seat unless it is from a trusted friend or family member; it is impossible to know whether a seat has been in a car accident.
Car Accident Statistics
- In 2004, 495 children under the age of 5 were killed in car accidents. Among these fatalities, approximately 173 (35 percent) of these children were totally unrestrained.
- An estimated 451 children’s lives were saved in 2004 because they were strapped into a child restraint system.
- Child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers, ages 1 to 4.
Car Seat Installation Safety Tips
- Ensure that you purchase the right car seat for your child’s weight and height.
- Ensure that the seat is properly installed-have it checked by a car seat officer.
- Never place an infant car seat next to an airbag.
- Always use the chair’s five-point harness system and ensure that the cross snap goes across the upper chest.
- Never use a broken or defective car seat.
Note: If you decide that a car seat should be replaced, you may be able to get your insurance company to cover the cost. You may need to send them a photocopy of the car seat instruction booklet that shows the recommendation to replace the seat after a car accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreBaby Swing Safety Tips
Many parents rely on baby swings to soothe their newborn babies to sleep; the baby swing can feel like a life saver when you have a colicky baby and your arms need a rest. It is important, however, to purchase a swing that follows the federal safety standards for baby swings that went into effect in May 2013. Additionally, parents should follow swing safety basics to avoid a tragic accident. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 351 infants were injured in baby swings between 2009 and 2012. Since 2001, 15 infant deaths have been attributed to infant swing accidents with at least one third of them due to “slump over” suffocations.
2013 Safety Standards
- Explicit warning label telling parents and caregivers to use the swing in the most reclined position until an infant is four months old and can hold up their head without help. This standard is meant to prevent accidents due to slumping over.
- Stricter manufacturer testing for tipping, folding, and problems with restraint systems.
- Swings that run on batteries now require power pack designs that prevent battery leakage and overheating.
Baby Swing Safety Standards
Look for these safety features when shopping for a swing:
- The swing should be sturdy and stable.
- Make sure the swing has a wide base and a low center of gravity to prevent a tipping accident.
- The swing must have safety straps; preferably with a five point and crotch harness that is secure, durable, and easy to fasten and unfasten.
- Lock the adjustable recline position securely in place.
- If you use a second hand baby swing, check it for wear and tear and ensure that the straps and locking mechanisms are in good shape.
- Perform a search for baby swing recalls on your chosen model-never use a recalled product!
- Send in your product registration card/fill in the online form so that you will be notified if your baby swing is recalled.
Based on these revised CPSC recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a new list of safety tips for keeping babies safer in infant swings:
- Infants under four months of age should be seated in the most reclined swing position to avoid slumping over and suffocating.
- Before placing your baby in the swing, do a test run to make sure it’s stable and balanced and not in danger of tipping over or accidentally folding up.
- Look to see that the swing’s cradle surface stays fairly flat while in motion so the baby will not tip or fall out.
- Always secure the safety straps.
- Remove hanging toys if they are not securely attached.
- Follow the weight limit for the swing.
- Too much time in a swing can cause head flattening so you should ensure baby is also getting plenty of cuddling and play in other positions.
- Never leave a baby unattended in a swing, particularly when they are sleeping.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreSIDS Rate Stagnates
The term SIDS sends shudders down the spines of most new parents and for many years, experts did not know what was causing SIDS or how to prevent it. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the name given to when a baby dies unexpectedly in his sleep. In 2010, 2,000 babies died of SIDS, according US government statistics. Today it is known that most babies who die of SIDS were actually in an unsafe sleep environment. Unsafe sleeping practices include a baby with his head facing down, the head covered by a blanket or pillow, or the head getting wedged between sofa cushions. In some cases, a co-sleeping parent rolls on top of the infant in the night. These scenarios are signs of accidental suffocation, not a mysterious death such as SIDS. Some in the medical community are questioning whether SIDS is really the right term to use anymore but believe it is still useful because of its recognition.
SIDS Risk Factors
SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants between one month and 12 months of age, although SIDS is most prevalent up until four months of age.
Approximately one in five infant SIDS deaths occur while the infant is being cared for by a non-parent. Many of the deaths happen when a baby who is used to sleeping on his back is placed on his tummy instead. Babies who are used to sleeping on their backs and are placed to sleep on their tummies are 18 times more likely to die from SIDS. Parents should make sleeping practices very clear to caregivers before leaving them in their care.
Infant Sleep Recommendations from The American Academy of Pediatrics
Safe Sleep Practices
- Always place your baby to sleep on his back.
- Don’t cover your baby’s head in a blanket or over bundle him in clothing or blankets.
- Check to make sure your baby isn’t getting too hot. Signs that your baby is overheated include sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing. Dress the baby lightly for sleep and set the room temperature at a comfortable temperature.
Safe Sleep Environment
- Your baby should sleep in a safety-approved crib, cradle or bassinet with a firm mattress and well fitting sheets.
- Don’t place babies to sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds, or cushions.
- Avoid placing toys, stuffed animals or soft bedding including fluffy blankets, comforters, and pillows inside your baby’s sleeping space. These items can impair your infant from breathing if they end up covering their face.
- Your baby should sleep in your room for at least the first three months but preferably up to one year. Place the crib, cradle or bassinet within arm’s reach so you can easily breast-feed and comfort your baby.
- Do not smoke inside your home.
The “Back to Sleep” Campaign
The “Back to Sleep” public health campaign was launched in 1992 after public health officials became alarmed at the number of infants dying in their cribs. The campaign has proven very successful and as back-sleeping rates have soared, the SIDS rate has dropped. By 2000, the SIDS rate had fallen 50 percent. Since 2000, however, progress has stalled and about one quarter of American parents say that they do not put their babies to sleep on their backs.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreBaby Walker Accidents
Despite their popularity among parents, an estimated 8,800 infants are treated in hospital emergency departments in the United States for injuries associated with baby walkers every year. Since 1973, thirty-four infants have died in walker-related accidents. Common injuries associated with baby walkers are falls down stairs and head injuries. Ironically, walkers not only do not help a child learn to walk; they can actually delay normal motor and mental development. Warning labels, public education, adult supervision during walker use, and stair gates have not been effective in reducing injuries associated with baby walkers. As of June 30, 1997, a voluntary safety measure was enacted requesting that all walkers be wider than a 36-in doorway or have a braking mechanism designed to stop the walker if one or more wheels drop off the floor, like at the top of a stairway.
What are Baby Walkers?
A baby walker, or infant walker, is made of a wheeled base that supports a rigid frame. The frame holds a fabric seat with leg openings and usually a plastic tray. Walkers are designed to support a pre-ambulatory infant, whose feet can rest on the floor and push while they are learning to walk. Some walkers come with bouncing mechanisms, activity toys, or locking devices that keep them from moving, and some fold flat for storage.
It is estimated that 3 million baby walkers are sold in the United States annually and that between 55 percent and 92 percent of infants use a baby walker. Parents say that they use walkers to keep their child entertained, encourage walking, provide exercise, and to hold the baby during feedings. One third of parents actually said that they use a walker to keep their baby safe.
Baby Walker Injury Data
- Approximately 8,800 children under the age of 15 months were treated in hospital emergency departments in 1999 for baby walker injuries.
- That was actually a 56 percent decrease in baby walker injuries since 1995 when 20, 100 injuries were reported.
- Thirty-four deaths associated with baby walkers were reported between the years 1973 and 1998.
- Population surveys indicate that there may be as many as 10 times more injuries as reported but that are minor enough that they are treated at home or in a doctor’s office.
- Parents report that 12 percent to 40 percent of infants who use walkers obtain an injury at some time from their use.
Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics
1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a ban on the manufacture and sale of mobile infant walkers because of the considerable risk of major and minor injury and even death from their use.
2. Parents should be vigilant about using walkers that meet the safety recommendations set in place in 1997.
3. Efforts should be made by government, media campaigns, and physicians to educate parents about the hazards and lack of benefits of walkers. The particular risk of walkers in homes with stairs should be emphasized.
4. Even if walkers are banned at some point, community programs should be developed to encourage proper disposal of walkers so that they can be destroyed and recycled.
5. Licensing Agencies should not permit the use of walkers in approved child care centers and homes. Hospitals should not permit the use of walkers in their facilities.
6. Stationary activity centers should be promoted as a safer alternative to mobile walkers.
7. The CPSC should closely monitor the compliance of infant walker manufacturers with the voluntary standard ASTM F977-96 to ensure that non-complying walkers do not continue to be manufactured and sold.
8. The CPSC should collect surveillance data on children injured while using walkers that are in compliance with ASTM F977-96.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
Read MoreWelding Accidents
Welding is a skilled trade that involves the use of many tools including blow torches. Most construction workers use welding as a sub-skill to their main trade, such as a sheet metal worker who welds metal edges or a plumber who welds pipes. Because of its inherent danger, it is vital that each person receives thorough training; even a skilled welder risks injury every time they work. Over 1 in 250 construction workers will experience a fatal injury from welding over a working lifetime and many more will incur non-fatal injuries. A welding accident is often deemed a workplace accident and could qualify for a worker’s compensation claim. Seek the advice of an experienced work place injury attorney to determine if you have a case for damages.
Welding Defined
Welding is an action where two pieces of metal are joined together by the use of heat; the heat melts and liquefies the metal (called coalescence) so they can be joined together. In order to melt part of a large piece of metal, you need to apply a large amount of either pressure or heat to it.
Common Welding Accidents
Burns – Burns are the most common welding accident. Welding burns have the propensity to be very serious because of the extreme heat and pressure required to weld metal together. Burns require immediate attention in the Emergency Room.
Arc-Eye – Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is caused by the electric arc created through the act of welding. UV can cause burns to the skin and damage to the eyes. Damage to the lens of the eye can lead to “arc-eye,” which is an uncomfortable and often untreatable condition that makes it feel like there is sand in the eye.
Thermal Burns – Exposure to infrared radiation (IR) happens from the electric arc produced during welding and other metalworking equipment. IR can heat the surface of the skin and the tissue just below the skin, causing painful and scarring thermal burns.
Retinal damage – Exposure to intense visible light from welding can cause retinal damage, among other optical injuries.
Welding Accident Prevention
Welding accidents are best prevented by ensuring thorough training is received and that all recommended safety equipment is used:
- Eye protection
- Full face shield
- Thick gloves
- Keep the torch pointed away from you at all times
- While welding, keep the torch angled so that there are as few errant emissions from the torch as possible
- Make sure your employer has all of the safety equipment needed for welding and that it is all working/up to code. If it is not, report it to your employer as soon as possible and do not do any welding until the problem is resolved.
What do I do if I have a welding accident?
If you have a welding accident, you should seek appropriate medical treatment immediately. Next, take pictures of the injury and accident site if/when you are able. Keep track of all your medical bills.
If you suspect that the welding accident might have been the result of negligence on the part of your employer, call a workplace injury lawyer for an assessment of your case.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
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