April has been declared injury prevention month by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The next few weeks are a good time to protect yourself against serious injuries that could affect your mobility and your health and safety. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, there are several things that you can do to prevent injury in your home and workplace:
1) Reduce your risk of falls.
Falls are one of the most serious workplace injuries and also one of the most common injuries in the home. Falls can lead to fractures, head injuries, and even life-threatening injuries, especially for the elderly. Unfortunately, falls can happen anywhere. To avoid them, wear sturdy shoes, check your medication for side effects such as dizziness, and report any faintness or dizziness to your doctor so that you can treat these symptoms. Always use the proper stepladder or stepstool when trying to reach high shelves or cupboards.
2) Do an injury assessment.
Walk through your home or workplace, looking for potential hazards. If you find any dangers – such as frayed electrical cords, extension cords tucked under rugs, overworked space heaters, and other dangers – take action immediately to remove these issues from the workplace or your home. Your workplace should also have a formal injury assessment as well as a safety program to keep you safe.
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