In Las Vegas and across the country, today wraps up the final day of National Public Health Week, which was sponsored by the American Public Health Association. This year’s theme is “Safety is No Accident.” The idea is to raise awareness among Americans about injuries, which make up one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. It’s also the most costly medical problem in the nation, responsible for $80 billion in medical bills and $326 billion in lost work productivity.
To commemorate National Public Health Week, the APHA has assembled a list of suggestions to help keep you and your family accident-free:
- Inspect your home or business for conditions that could cause people to get hurt, such as wet surfaces, poor lighting, and unsafe electrical outlets or power sources.
- Make sure that swimming pools are accessible only through self-latching gates and surrounded on all four sides with fencing that’s at least five feet high.
- Educate and train employees on how to spot unsafe conditions in the workplace.
- Wear safety goggles, hard hats, and other protective equipment when appropriate.
- While driving, avoid eating, grooming, talking on a mobile phone, or texting.
- Wear a seat belt and make sure all young children are secured in the proper car seat or booster seat.
- Walk facing traffic, avoid jaywalking, and wear reflective clothing if walking at night.
- Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or scooter.
- Don’t drink or use drugs before or while driving.
- Keep all weapons safe, locked, and away from children.
Even though we use the term “accident,” most of these incidents are preventable if we just use a little forethought and preparation. So let’s all do our part!