With the growing number of products on the market, household product injuries are becoming an increasing concern. The National Safety Council reported that 11.7 million people needed emergency treatment due to consumer product injuries in 2021.
Here are some of the most common household product injuries and what you can do to avoid them.
Cooking equipment
The kitchen is a setting ripe for injuries. Kitchen appliances are often hot, sharp or both. Burns are among the most common injuries and they are often the result of faulty cooking equipment. For example, some pots and pans do not have the right materials for high temperatures, and some stoves and ovens are prone to malfunction.
Furniture
Furniture-related injuries typically occur when an item is unstable or has sharp edges. Make sure someone properly secures all furniture to the ground. Your sofas and beds should have no sharp edges and should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the people who will be using them. For children’s furniture, use straps to ensure that nothing topples over.
Soaps and detergent
Harmful chemical burns are common injuries related to soaps and detergents. Also, according to America’s Poison Centers, 2022 has seen over 8,000 poison center cases involving children five and under due to laundry detergent exposure. When handling these products, use gloves, keep them away from children and avoid getting the product inside your eyes.
There are many dangerous household products on the market. Check your local government website or the website of the product’s manufacturer for news about recalls. By understanding the potential dangers that come with the products you use, you can make smarter, safer decisions.