Domestic Accidents; Causes and Control of Domestic Accidents

Domestic Accidents

Accidents are caused by preventable errors. Domestic accidents are not necessarily accidents that occur inside the home. They are also accidents that occur within the home environment.

Domestics accidents are common around us due to our constant home activities like washing, sweeping, ironing and use of electrical appliances.

Note: Reports suggest that domestic accidents are one of the four major causes of death around the world.

Carelessness on the part of many people is a major cause of domestic accident. These accidents may vary from sustaining mild injuries to being heavily injured and may even lead to death in some cases.

You can read on careers in physical and health education here.

Causes of Domestic Accidents

Below are some of the prominent causes of domestic accidents:

• Carelessness: The act of home carelessness can take a variety of forms. For instance, a banana peel thrown on the floor can result in domestic accident.

  Oftentimes, we hear about cases of people being careless with gas cookers; and as a result, entire buildings are burnt down leading to loss of lives and properties.




• Non use of home slippers: Walking or running with our bare foot can result in unexpected sliding falls on slippery surfaces. The injuries that accompany the fall may range from mild to severe.




• Electrical wirings: Poor electrical connections and use of inferior electrical materials can cause devastating accidents at home.

  These accidents ranges from electric shock to fire outbreaks.




• Flammable substances: Petrol is a very flammable substance and it's not advisable to store them in living rooms.

  It's also recommended to keep gas cylinders outside living rooms.




• Food: Food is necessary for humans to stay alive, but sometimes, they result in home accidents.

  We should not eat, swallow and talk at the same time because it could lead to choking. Babies must be properly looked after to prevent food accidents at home.

  Please read on foods that can help reduce bloating here.




• Sharp objects: Objects like pins and razorblade are very useful in our homes. On the other hand, they act as common sources of domestic accidents. You may have encountered one or more accidents with these objects.

  Also, breakable plates, knives and glasses can also lead to domestic accidents.




• Poor environmental sanitation: When the home environment is untidy and dirty, accidents are bound to happen.

  These accidents will range from slipping on slippery floors to stepping on sharp objects or even getting attacked by animals.

  Please read on the causes and effects of improper waste management here.




• The Jack of all trade attitude: Some people are of the opinion that they can fix every fault in their homes. In some cases, this opinion may at one time or another prove wrong, especially with regards to electrical appliances.

  For safety reasons, It is recommended that one should call on professionals to fix issues regarding home appliances.

  Please read on forms, advantages and disadvantages of division of labour.

Ways to control domestic accidents

1. Parents should always monitor closely their babies.

2. All electrical issues should be attended to by electrical professionals.

3. Families should be oriented on the basic home safety rules.
   Please read on the aims and objectives of home economics here.

4. Sharp objects like needles and pin should be handled carefully.

5. Always ensure that all cooking appliances are properly switched off after use.

6. All the rooms in the house including the kitchen should be well ventilated.

7. Drugs should be kept out of reach of children.
   Please read on drug abuse in adolescents here.

8. Store flammable liquids outside of rooms.

9. Living rooms, kitchen, bathroom, restroom and stores should be properly lighted.

10. Be alert and apply common sense in all things.