Celebrate National Safety Month

As summer approaches, our minds wander to beach visits, vacation plans, and chilling out. But June is more than just the end of spring and beginning of summer—it’s also National Safety Month.

What Is National Safety Month?

National Safety Month, created by The National Safety Council (NSC) promotes safety education across many different avenues, including the workplace, the community at large, on the road, and even in your home. The main aim of the month is to reduce the leading causes of injuries and death.

The NSC provides a handy timeline that spotlights different problem areas throughout the month. The safety topics are as follows:

• Week 1: Falls and slips
• Week 2: Fatigue (a week focused on “recharging” yourself and overworking)
• Week 3: Active shooter situations
• Week 4: Ergonomics (injuries from continually sitting at a desk)

In addition to the above topics, sometimes road and traffic safety are highlighted (typically in the last week). The NSC also provides a handy guide for what specific safety precautions affect people of certain age groups.

In the spirit of National Safety Month, take some time to review the following information—it can end up saving you or someone you know.

Children Under 12 Months

According to the NSC, mechanical suffocation is one of the top safety risks for children under 12 months. Follow these tips to prevent it from happening. Make sure:

• Your infant sleeps in the crib and not your bed.
• Your infant sleeps on his or her back.
• Your infant does not have stuffed animals/blankets in the crib that can suffocate him or her.

Ages 1 to 24

For children over 12 months to adults aged 24, traffic crashes are the biggest danger. This occurs mostly because of distracted driving. Always be sure to:

• Buckle up every time you drive (both yourself and others, adhering to safety regulations).
• Provide your teen driver with more practice, even after he or she is licensed.
• Not use cell phones or electronic devices while driving.

Ages 25 to 65

For ages 25 to 65, the NSC names poisoning as the top safety risk. This is mostly from incorrect usage of prescription pain medication. To decrease the chance of injury or death from poisoning:

• Never share prescriptions with family or friends.
• Ask your doctor for alternative treatment, if possible.
• Use the smallest dose of opioids for the least amount of time, if that prescription is necessary.

Ages 65 and Up

For those over 65, falling is the top risk. Decrease the chance of falling by:

• Using non-skid mats in showers and bathrooms.
• Installing grab bars where necessary (by stairs, showers, or tubs).
• Proving sufficient lighting in every room and stairway.

Legal Precautions

Sometimes, taking precautions can’t always save you or a loved one from getting hurt. In this case, you should be ready. No matter what age group, you should know your legal options.

Should you seek compensation, we at Rhine Law Firm, P.C., are here to help. With specialties in product and premises liability and personal injury, we have the expertise to seek the justice you deserve. Call us toll-free at (910) 772-9960 for a free initial consultation.