According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 160 holiday decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season (November 1 – January 31). In this blog, we’ll cover the most common holiday injuries and how to reduce the risk of these injuries.

 

Fall-Related Injuries

Nearly half of all holiday decorating-related injuries involve falls, which commonly lead to broken bones and concussions. To reduce the risk of falls:

  • Check your ladder for broken or worn parts before climbing on. Never use a ladder that is damaged, bent, or broken.
  • Always work with a second person who can stabilize ladders, keep an eye out for unsafe situations, and/or help in case of an emergency.
  • The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons suggest using the 4-to-1 rule; for every 4 feet of height your ladder rises, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall. For example, if you have a 6-foot ladder, the base should be 1.5 feet away from the wall.
  • Ladders should always be placed on stable, even ground.
  • Never use a ladder, even a step ladder, if you are under the influence or are prone to fainting/dizzy spells.

 

Fire-Associated Injuries

According to the American Red Cross, approximately 47,000 fires occur during the holiday season. These fires cause more than 2,200 injuries each year and claim more than 500 lives. To protect yourself, your family, and your home from fires this season, you can:

  • Make sure your artificial Christmas tree has a “Fire Resistant” label, or ensure your live tree has plenty of water and fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken.
    • Dispose of your live tree as soon as it begins to dry out or right after Christmas.
  • Place decorations at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, whether they have an open flame or not.
  • Always blow out candles and turn off holiday lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are functioning and have fresh batteries.
  • Ensure all light strands are in good condition. If you notice any frayed electric cords, broken/cracked sockets, or loose connections, do not use those lights until they are properly repaired.
  • Keep an eye on the stovetop and oven when cooking. Potholders, oven mitts, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, or anything else that can catch fire should be moved away from your stove top.

 

Strained Neck and Back

Holiday decorating includes a lot of heavy lifting, bending at unusual angles, and many trips up and down the stairs. To prevent neck and back strains:

  • Ask for help from family and friends. A large workload is often responsible for back pain, so breaking it up between several people or throughout several days can help you avoid unnecessary strain.
  • Avoid reaching. Stretching to move a decoration that’s just out of reach can cause accidental falls, pulled muscles, or other muscular strains.
  • Lift heavy boxes with your legs, not your back.
  • Listen to your body and take breaks or stretch when you need to.

 

Decorating for the holidays should be a fun family activity, but it can quickly become chaotic and stressful. The best ways to avoid injury this holiday season are to be mindful of your surroundings, use common sense, and ask for help when necessary.