According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, every year approximately 6,000 citizens across the UK die as a result of accidents in the home, while Safewise estimates that more than 160,000 Americans each year die in similar circumstances.
With these figures in mind, click or scroll for 30 familiar causes of accidents in the home – and some ways to avoid them.
In 2017, Swedish furniture brand IKEA recalled its MALM range of chests and dressers in the US and Canada following four reports of child fatalities associated with the furniture. What's more, in September 2022, ITV reported that a 21-year-old woman was crushed to death by a falling wardrobe in Liverpool, UK.
These terrible incidents prove that it's imperative to secure heavy furniture to the wall to prevent it from tipping over, especially if you have small children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission produced this safety video to help educate consumers on the risks, while IKEA also offers a full wall-anchoring guide.
Black mould, officially named stachybotrys, is a deadly fungus that often grows as a result of excess moisture and poor ventilation. If left untreated, it can release allergens and toxic spores into the atmosphere that can cause respiratory issues and chronic coughing with other reported symptoms including muscle spasms, a painful rash and even hair loss.
Follow our guide on how to get rid of mould or, for large infestations, call in the professionals.
The National Library of Medicine in the US estimates that annually, 37,991 adults aged 65 years or older are treated in hospitals for falls associated with carpets and rugs. Loose, unsecured rugs and damaged carpets with curled edges are the biggest culprits.
It's always best to add a non-slip pad or underlay to rugs and carpets to prevent them from bunching up and sliding around.
You can't go to a children's party these days without seeing a bouncy castle bobbing in the garden. But they can cause serious injury and even death. The BBC reported six children dying in Australia in 2021 after a bouncy castle was lifted into the air by strong winds, while the Daily Mail reported on a father and 21-month-old son in the UK who barely escaped suffocation after one suddenly deflated.
PIPA, an inspection scheme set up by the inflatable play industry to ensure equipment conforms to recognised safety standards, offers instructions on how to safely anchor a bouncy castle.
Throwing a plastic laundry pod into the washing machine drum is convenient. However, Fabulous Magazine interviewed a mother who claimed her three-and-a-half-year-old son "suffered the most horrendous burn...after a laundry tablet failed to disperse into the washing machine". Other pod-induced hazards include poisoning and internal damage from digestion.
Always ensure your clean laundry is free from detergent residue after washing, and watch Ariel's safety video on storing its pods out of reach from kids in a child-locked pack.
Hot tubs seem like a luxury, but new owners may not take into account how much upkeep they require to keep them clean and sanitary. LuxurySpasDirect advises that "it is vital to maintain the correct PH and TA (Total Alkalinity) levels to ensure your sanitiser works correctly", while filters need to be regularly cleared of bathing waste. What's more, too much chlorine can cause skin burns.
Tangled wires, faulty equipment or mowing your lawn in the rain or if the grass is still wet could lead to electric shocks. In addition, the sharp blade can cause unspeakable damage.
Flymo recommends keeping safe by wearing sturdy shoes and long trousers, avoiding mowing in the dark or wet and using an RCD socket adapter which will cut the power if there is a surge.
Resident of Queensland, Australia, Leanne Hill's husband was electrocuted while vacuuming their house. Hill told That's Life magazine that, while investigations were ongoing, authorities believed the vacuum cleaner "was plugged in and turned on at the wall when Ricki pulled off the nozzle attachment and touched a live part of the machine. The shock had killed him instantly."
Although this tragic incident was a freak accident, it is vital to unplug electrical cables at the wall when disassembling home appliances.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the cutting of avocados resulted in an estimated 50,413 between 1998 and 2017. There is even a hashtag on social media called #avocadohand, if you're in search of gruesome photo evidence of results from unsafe cutting techniques.
To avoid injury, refrain from holding the avocado in the palm of your hand when cutting. Instead, use a hard surface or, even better, purchase a specialised cutting tool.
Believe it or not, fragile or decaying ceilings can be extremely dangerous in homes that have not been well maintained, even resulting in people falling through them and getting seriously injured.
Always stick to walking or leaning on the ceiling joists while in the loft or walking across unstable ceilings. They are the strongest part of the structure.
UK Fire Services Resources states that chip pan fires cause one-fifth of all accidental house fires in the UK each year. Even if you prefer oven chips, cooking accidents can cause burns, smoke inhalation, or worse.
London Fire Brigade advises that those experiencing a pan fire should resist the instinct to tackle the fire themselves or to move the pan. Never throw water over a fire, as it could create a fireball. Turn off the heat (but only if it's safe to do so) and leave the room, close the door, shout a warning to others then call the emergency services.
Cookers and ovens are the appliances most likely to lead to claims on home insurance. A Confused.com study suggests they are responsible for 111,426 accidents in the last decade. Jessica Willock, home insurance expert at Confused, writes: "Ensuring your appliances are used when it’s safe to do so, as well as kept in a good working condition, is important...they can be expensive to replace and misuse can cause damage to the home, resulting in a claim."
Ensure your oven or cooker is free from excess grease, check plugs and sockets for damage, familiarise yourself with your appliance’s features, use the correct equipment and never leave your cooker unattended.
There is nothing more toasty on a winter's night than snuggling up in front of an open fire. But even when stoves and chimneys are correctly installed and maintained, burning the wrong fuel (like wood with a high moisture content) can increase the risk of fire and injury.
Andy Manson, Managing Director at NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Ltd, explains: "It can be tempting to pick up wood from the garden or when you’re out and about, but if you’re not sure of the quality...you can’t be sure of the fire hazards or health risks it could cause when burned. Also, avoid using liquid fuels or accelerants on your fire or stove, and don’t place paper or rubbish in the fire when it’s burning."
Hardy houseplants will purify the air and add a little life to your home. But buying varieties that are toxic to animals can deliver tragic results, especially if they are placed within easy reach of our furry friends. Whenever you buy a new plant, double-check on the label or online if it is toxic to pets. If you really can't do without a particular leafy variety, make sure it is displayed out of reach of your animals.
Although induction cooker tops are generally safer than open flame gas hobs with easy-to-turn knobs, they are still extremely hot to touch post-cooking and can cause nasty burns.
To treat a burn or scald, the NHS advises cooling the burn with cool water for at least 20-30 minutes. Do not use ice, iced water, creams or greasy substances like butter. Cover the burn by placing a layer of clean cling-film over it.
The Health and Safety Executive states asbestos may be found in any residential building built or refurbished in the UK before 2000. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air which, when inhaled, can cause serious diseases.
If you are renovating your home and you come across a potential asbestos health risk hiding in your home, stop work immediately and contact a specially trained contractor to remove it.
A statement bath is one of the best luxury bathroom ideas, but filling it with water that is too hot can lead to trouble. According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, a baby’s skin is 15 times thinner than an adult’s, so hot water can pose a real danger.
To make sure bath water is a suitable temperature for children's delicate skin, Babycentre advises always starting with cold water, adding hot water and swishing it around while filling the bath to disperse heat. You can use a thermometer to ensure the water is not more than 38°C (100°F) or test it with your elbow rather than your hand, as the skin on your elbow has more heat receptors.
Rock star Eric Clapton's son tragically passed away in 1991 when he fell from an open apartment window. Unfortunately, however, this accident isn't as unique as it sounds.
The National Child Mortality Database states that one child under five is admitted to a UK hospital every day after falling from a building – often from an open window or balcony. Always keep windows closed and locked when not in use, and never leave young children unattended by a window.
Candles bring tranquillity to a room, but the naked flame is also a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored. Roughly 8,200 home fires are started by candles each year according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The National Candle Association advises you should never leave a burning candle unattended or near anything that might catch fire. Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
It may be funny when comedy actors clown about with one, but one must be well-versed in ladder safety before ascending the steps, otherwise injury or fatality may occur.
Some simple rules of thumb to follow include: 1) Check the ladder for damages. 2) Set up in a safe place. 3) Never lean while on a ladder. 4) Climb down carefully. 5) Never use a ladder alone. 6) Keep your hands free. 7) Invest in a ladder strap. 8) Use the 1:4 rule – the base of the ladder should be one metre away from the structure for every four metres of height.
Almost one million people die every year due to lead poisoning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Over 80 countries now have legally binding controls to limit the production, import and sale of lead paints, but the prevalence of older buildings means lead poisoning is still a problem in the UK and the US.
The NHS states that a main potential lead poisoning risk is drinking tap water that has passed through lead pipes. For information, visit DWQR.
From homes with stunning swimming pools to budget-friendly, metal-framed special buys, backyard pools promise hours of fun during the summer months. But with al fresco water play comes huge responsibility.
Drowning can happen fast and is the leading cause of death among children aged 1-4 in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To ensure your pool is a safe environment, educate your children, take turns water-watching at all times, install a fence guard and keep the pool covered when not in use.
During the pandemic, home gym exercise injuries surged, with treadmills and exercise bikes most associated with these accidents.
If buying fitness equipment for your home, ensure that a professional installs it and that a maintenance plan is put into place. Also, listen to your body when exercising – take breaks, don't exercise if you're injured and drink lots of water.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reported that some people are taking risks in food safety because of the cost of living crisis. Data shows that 76% of participants reported having knowingly eaten food past its use-by date, with one of the key reasons being to avoid wasting money.
The FSA advises keeping your fridge at 5°C (40°F) or below to make food go further.
Looped blind cords and chains can strangle children and young people. Thankfully, a safety standard introduced in the UK in 2014 and 2022 in the US means that new blinds must either be safe by design or be supplied with the appropriate safety device such as a cleat or hook to wrap loose cords around or a special breakaway device.
Never forget to install the included cleat or hook – Hillarys Blinds recommends fitting them at a minimum height of 4.9 feet (1.5m) above the ground.
Scarlett O'Hara memorably fell down the stairs in Gone With The Wind, while Meryl Streep dramatically tumbled down what seemed like a never-ending staircase in Death Becomes Her, and we've lost count of how many times those villains Harry and Marv fall down the stairs in Home Alone. But in reality, staircase accidents are no joke.
The National Safety Council states that each year there are 12,000 stairway accident deaths in the US. Keep staircases clear and well-lit at all times, and install a handrail where possible.
Button batteries – also known as LR44 batteries, button cells or coin batteries – are extremely dangerous if swallowed, yet are commonplace around our homes, providing energy for toys, remote controls and other small electronic devices.
RoSPA advises checking that all toys have lockable battery compartments and to be extra vigilant with other items that may contain small round batteries.
Every year children are rushed to A&E because they took medicine by accident. A lot of tablets are made to look and taste like sweets and candy, and therefore can be tempting to youngsters.
Be sure to put medicine safely away and out of reach of children after every use and put a child-proof lock on any cabinets with medicine stored inside.
The National Library of Medicine found that more than 2.5 million injuries involving glass tables are reported every year in the US. Most incidents occurred when the person fell onto glass tables, often breaking through.
However, a Scottsdale resident in Arizona, USA, told CBS News that he is lucky his family escaped serious injury after his glass table exploded. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said it had received hundreds of reports of shattering table tops over a decade. So always inspect a glass table regularly, especially if it's second-hand.
According to a report from the Office for National Statistics in the UK, an estimated 13,400 more deaths occurred in the winter period (December 2021 to March 2022) compared with the average of the non-winter periods. Meanwhile, 4 million homes don't meet basic standards for decency and are placing their residents at risk, according to the Centre for Ageing Better (CAB).
Holly Holder, deputy director for Home at CAB says: "Making homes warmer and more energy efficient would reduce levels of cold-related illnesses such as asthma, strokes, heart disease and mental health conditions, and make them less severe."
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