National Safety Month 2020
Now, more than ever, safety is crucial both inside and outside the workplace, which is why the National Safety Council will still be recognizing National Safety Month® in June. Observed annually by NSC, the nation’s leading nonprofit safety advocate, National Safety Month 2020 focuses on saving lives and preventing injuries, from the workplace to anywhere.
Given the current state of the world, the month will look a little different than past years. Instead of focusing on a single topic each week, we will provide real-time, relevant resources on a variety of topics for keeping workers safe in our new normal. Sign up now to access free materials on pressing topics.
Top Causes of Preventable Injuries, Death Off the Job
According to Injury Facts, 169,936 people died from unintentional injury-related deaths in 2017. Most unintentional injury-related deaths occur off the job, often when least expected – during a vacation, while doing chores at home or while driving across town.
NSC encourages everyone to be aware of hazards related to leisure and recreational activities, take proper safety precautions and sign up for NSC Monthly News. You’ll get timely and useful blogs, seasonal safety tips, survey results, legislative updates, event information and lots of other safety-related news. Here, in order, are the top causes of unintentional injury and death in homes and communities:
#1: Poisoning
In 2011, poisonings overtook motor vehicle crashes for the first time as the leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death for all ages combined. Poisoning deaths are caused by gases, chemicals and other substances, but prescription drug overdose is by far the leading cause. Learn more about this epidemic and other poisons in the home.
#2: Motor Vehicle Crashes
No one wakes up thinking they will lose a loved one in a car crash, but motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death overall. Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and inexperience can cause a life to be cut short in the blink of an eye. Everyone has a role in making our roads safer.
#3: Falls
In 2017, 36,338 people died in falls, according to Injury Facts. Falling is the third leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all age groups, but it’s the #1 cause of death for those 65 and older. The good news: Aging, itself, does not cause falls. Learn what you can do to help protect older loved ones.
#4: Choking and Suffocation
Suffocation is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death over all age groups, and choking on food or other objects is a primary cause. Suffocation is the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death for people 87 and older. Mechanical suffocation is the #1 cause of death for infants. Learn prevention and rescue tips.
#5: Drowning
Not including boating incidents, about 10 people drown every day. It’s the fifth leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all ages, and the #1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, mostly due to children falling into pools or being left alone in bathtubs. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe.
#6: Fires and Burns
Fire is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death over all ages. About 2,646 deaths were caused by burns and injuries related to fire in 2015. Often fires start at night, when family members are asleep. A working smoke alarm will cut the chances of dying in a fire in half. Learn more fire safety tips here.
#7: Natural and Environmental Incidents
Disasters are front-page news even though lives lost are relatively few compared to other unintentional-injury-related deaths. Weather-related disasters claim hundreds of lives per year. NSC encourages families to learn all they can about emergency preparedness, and always have an emergency kit on hand.
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety
Caregivers can help Seniors and People with Disabilities be safe in their homes. Contact Atlantic In-Home Care for more information. Call 772.773.6994
