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June is national safety month – have we got great tips for you!

By Ken Gibson on June 26, 2017

June is “National Safety Month,” and to celebrate, we have some helpful safety tips for your home, your work, and your time on the road.

During June, the National Safety Council (NSC) works with organizations around our country to promote a message, “Let’s keep each other safe.” We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys believe strongly in this message because we see every day how important it is to prevent accidents from happening.

We encourage you to focus on three main areas for improving the safety of you and your loved ones: home, work, and on the road.

How can I make my home safer?

Start by cleaning up your floors. Trip-and-fall accidents can often be avoided at home if you identify potential hazards upfront.

Falling is one of the leading causes of head injuries, and 28,000 Virginians suffer brain injuries each year. Concussions and traumatic injuries are not statistics you want to be part of. So here are some key tips to help you prevent both:

  • Remain alert and focused while walking in your own home—always keep your eyes on the area ahead.
  • Don’t run cords for devices and appliances across walking areas.
  • Maintain proper lighting so you can see potential hazards in your path.
  • Avoid using rugs that can cause slips—use no-slip rugs or stick rugs to the floor using double-sided tape.
  • Keep doors and drawers closed, particularly those located at or below knee-level.
  • Wear appropriate shoes for the surface you’re walking on—or wear no shoes at all. If you will be walking on stairs, going barefooted is much safer than wearing socks.
  • Always clean up and dry spills, moisture, and anything greasy on floors immediately.

Bathrooms can be a dangerous place for slip-and-fall accidents, particularly for older adults. Always have mats to prevent slipping inside and outside your tub or shower. Older adults can also benefit from sturdy grab bars near tubs and toilets.

What do I need to know about safety at work?

No. 1 tip: Working while drowsy or fatigued can be bad for you. The NSC recently found the following:

  • Approximately 38 percent U.S. workers sleep fewer than seven hours each night.
  • Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or apnea, increase the risk of workplace accidents.
  • A person suffering from a sleep disorder has poorer awareness and a slower thought process, which causes accidents.
  • Each year, fatigue alone costs companies approximately $2,000 per worker in productivity.

If you work long hours, you’re at greater risk for being fatigued. Get your sleep, and remember that both prescription and over-the-counter medicines can make you drowsy. Avoid them if you are going to work later.

How can I prevent danger on the road?

More than 38,000 people lost their lives in vehicle accidents in the United States in 2015.

In Virginia, more than 750 people died in vehicle accidents that same year. The Southside was the most dangerous area, while the Northern Neck and Hampton Roads areas were the safest.

The three major reasons for the Virginia vehicle-related deaths were:

  1. Speeding
  2. Distracted driving
  3. Driving under the influence of alcohol

Although it’s difficult to measure precisely, mobile devices are contributing to many more accidents. Additionally, newer vehicles often have greater “on-board” technology, which may also encourage distracted driving. Remember, “multitasking” should never be your goal while driving.

And of course, don’t drink alcohol and drive—not ever.

Who can help me if a loved one or I have been in an accident?

We can. We’d rather you not be in an accident at all, which is why we share this safety information. But when things go wrong, we at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys serve as advocates for injury victims—whether you tripped on unlit stairs, or your car was smashed into by a drunk driver.

Call us at (804) 413-6777 for a free consultation. We can help, and we won’t get paid unless you do.

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Community service

Prevention, empathy, and diligence are hallmarks of everything we do at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. Our community can see these ideals lived out in our work to prevent personal injuries from happening.

  • Safety Education
    GibsonSingleton launches a “Texts=Wrecks” campaign to reduce the number of people injured or killed by distracted drivers.
  • Annual Coat Drive
    During the fall, our team works to distribute coats to people in need in our community.
  • Hands-on Service
    John and Ken join the Gloucester Point Rotary Club in cleaning up the community.
  • Supporting Local Schools
    The Gibson family participates in Gloucester’s Botetourt Elementary Shuffle fundraiser.