The holiday season is a time of celebration, reflection, and being with loved ones. But it brings with it a unique set of injury risks. From November until the start of the New Year, emergency rooms throughout Cleveland and across the country experience increased ER visits due to injuries caused by holiday hazards and other accidents at Christmas. Here, we highlight some of the most common holiday accidents and injuries and offer tips to help keep your family healthy and safe this holiday season.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Snow and ice are common during Northeast Ohio winters, and the freezing temperatures increase the risk of slip and fall injuries. To lower your risk of being injured in a fall, we recommend wearing proper footwear and using handrails and other support when it is available. You can reduce the risk of a fall at home by sprinkling salt to melt the snow and improve traction. You should also avoid carrying heavy loads. Finally, even though it may be tempting to keep your hands in your pockets to keep them warm, it is safer to keep them out of your pockets so you can break a fall.

Falls While Decorating

Many people use a ladder to decorate inside and outside their homes. But climbing a ladder increases the risk of falling due to poor footing or leaning too far to one side. Reduce the risk of a fall by having a friend or family member hold the ladder steady. If you use an extension ladder, move it one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height. Before you begin decorating, inspect the ladder for broken parts or signs of wear.

Lifting Injuries

Whether you are loading the Christmas tree onto the car or carrying packages, boxes of decorations, or heavy grocery bags, use proper lifting techniques to avoid neck and back injuries. Lift with your legs, not your back, and ask for help when moving or carrying heavy items.

Fires and Burn Injuries

Many people enjoy the scents of holiday cooking and baking and the ambiance of a warm fire or a candlelit evening. They also add light displays to the inside and outside of their homes. While these activities create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, they also increase the risk of fire and burn injuries.

To reduce the risk of fire and burn injuries, never leave a stove or oven unattended, and turn these appliances off when you are done using them. Don’t leave a burning candle unattended. Avoid electrical fires by carefully inspecting light strands and electrical cords and not overloading outlets.

Car Accidents

Holiday travel means people spend extra time on the road, sometimes in unfamiliar places. In addition, winter means adverse weather and poor driving conditions. Sprinkle in some holiday cheer in the form of alcohol or recreational drug use, and you have a recipe for an increase in the number of automobile accidents.

To protect yourself and your family, drive defensively and ensure everyone wears a seatbelt. When possible, schedule your travel so you arrive at an unfamiliar destination during daylight. And if you choose to consume alcohol or recreational drugs, designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation.

Injuries from Toys

Riding toys create the risk of injuries to the head, arms, and legs. Protect yourself and your children by ensuring riders wear helmets and proper safety gear. For other toys, be sure to follow safety guidance and other information, and keep small parts and packaging away from small children. Once the gifts are opened, discard the packaging so these items do not become dangerous playthings.

Cuts and Other Wounds

Many people use scissors or a knife to wrap or open packages. Practice good knife safety by cutting away from yourself, and keep scissors and knives away from small children. Keep an eye on small children who may be struggling to open a gift.

Food and Alcohol

Many people enjoy too much food or drink or consume unfamiliar foods and beverages during holiday celebrations. Beware of food poisoning, which can happen when food is left out too long at a party. If you choose to consume alcohol, drink slowly, consume alcohol with food, and try to alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water.

Robenalt Law Wishes You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

By taking a few precautions, you can keep your holiday season safe and happy so you can focus on spending time with family and friends. Robenalt Law wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday season filled with joy and good wishes.

Contact Robenalt Law

If you or a loved one experienced a serious holiday injury, Robenalt Law can help. We have offices in Cleveland and Columbus and represent injured people throughout Ohio and nationwide.

Call our Cleveland office at (216) 223-7535 or our Columbus office at (614)-695-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.