Why should we be aware of Injury Prevention?

If you didn’t already know, December is National Prevention of Injury Month. Injury prevention is something we should be practicing every day so that we can go about our daily activities as safely as possible. According to the New York State Department of Health, over 7,250 people die each year due to injury. This is why we need to take the time to educate the general public on injury prevention. Learning more about recognizable risk factors can not only benefit you but help the people around you as well.

When it comes to injury prevention, it’s important to spread awareness about how common injuries can occur. Injuries may arise at any moment, depending upon what you’re doing. Sometimes it can be due to actions from a sport or being on the job. But in other cases, you could merely be casually going about your business. Thus necessitating the need for educating ourselves on prevention methods.

Injury prevention strategies to know:

Workplace injuries are highly frequent. Creating a safe work environment should be a top priority for both employers and employees. A few ways we can prevent injury in the workplace and maintain safety include:

Avoid taking shortcuts
- Stick to instructions rather than trying to get the job done faster.
Make sure any vehicles you’re operating have been inspected, and all necessary repairs have been made.
Be mindful of the weather
- Dress appropriately for cold or hot weather.
Always use personal protective equipment when needed
- This includes goggles, gloves, and proper shoes.

Another way people tend to get injured is during sports. These days, sports have become a massive part of people’s daily routine. While avoiding injury altogether can be a challenge, we can help reduce the risk of common injuries such as sprains, strains, and stress factors. The following strategies can help you take the right steps towards prevention:

Make sure you have the proper gear for your sport.
Remember to stretch before any physical activity.
Incorporate conditioning exercises to help strengthen your muscles.
Don’t overwork yourself, take time to rest.
If you’re in pain, don’t play through it.
Stay hydrated.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospitalization in New York State. Young children are especially at risk. If you’re a parent, it’s important to be aware of the following tips to help prevent your child from suffering a fall:

Using safety gates at the bottom and top of the stairs.
Never leave your child unattended on elevated surfaces.
Remember to strap your child into strollers, shopping carts, and infant carriers.

Adults are also at risk when it comes to fall injuries. Here are a few fall prevention strategies for adults over the age of 65:

Remember to use handrails on stairways.
Make sure there is ample lighting throughout your house, especially in stairways and bathrooms.
Use non-slip bath mats inside and outside the shower.
Wear proper fitting shoes.

This December, take the time to read up on injury prevention. By educating yourself, you’ll take part in creating a safer environment for yourself and those around you!