June is National Safety Month as the National Safety Council aims to help people keep safe with a list of tips to prevent the most common causes of preventable injuries.
St. Louis Personal Injuries Lawyers encourage you to heed the safety tips and warnings. Summertime is a great time for many to relax, go on family vacations and enjoy the warm weather. But with more people out and active, there is a higher likelihood for accidents on the road, at work and at play. St. Louis personal injury accidents can be painful, costly and time-consuming. Do your best to prevent them.
The National Safety Council presents tips on a week-by-week basis. Week 1 is to ensure Summertime Safety. Week 2 is Preventing Overexertion. Weeks 3, 4 and 5 are Teen Driving Safety, Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls and On the Road, Off the Phone. The issues illustrate an important fact: While we can all take steps to reduce the threat of injury, many accidents are caused by someone else's carelessness.
Summertime Safety: Unintentional deaths reached about 128,200 in 2009, up from 125,800 in 2008. The cost of unintentional injuries to Americans and their employers is more than $693 billion each year.
Below are some tips about common summer activities:
Bicycling tips: Obey traffic rules. Know your bike's capabilities. Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Make safe turns and cross intersections with care. Always be seen.
Sun and Heat Exposure: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool. Wear long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored. Carry water and take frequent breaks.
Summer and Alcohol Safety: Hot weather makes everyone thirsty. But alcohol and caffeinated drinks contribute to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Stay hydrated with water and sports drinks, especially if your job requires you to be outside and on the go. Make sure to check with your doctor if regular medications may affect you in the heat. Don't drink and drive or operate a boat. In 2008, 124 deaths and 276 injuries in the water were blamed on alcohol, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Playground Safety: Each year, more than 200,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms because of playground injuries. Make sure the equipment on the playground is sturdy and not susceptible to falling apart. Report any rusted equipment, exposed footings or sharp edges.
Fireworks Safety: In 2006, nearly 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries; more than 1/3 of them were under 15. Fireworks can be a lot of fun to watch, but they must be handled carefully. Fireworks cost millions in property damage and personal injury each year. Light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance. Keep water nearby and stay away from structures. Don't allow small children to handle fireworks. Your best bet is to leave the fireworks to the professionals.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Missouri accident, contact St. Louis Injury Lawyer Ryan R. Cox for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 636-946-6886.
