Take 5 minutes to keep trick-or-treaters safe from slip and falls

Now that we are in the midst of autumn, it will soon be time to think about leaf cleanup. While the shades of red and orange are beautiful on trees, once they start piling up on your property, they might not be as enjoyable. A solution that many people turn to in order to reduce the amount of time spent on yard maintenance is investing in a leaf blower.

Although leaf blowers are incredibly convenient, it is necessary to take safety precautions when operating them. In fact, in 2013, there were 4,000 reported cases of injury caused by leaf blowers, mulchers, and grinders according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Some of the injuries included cuts, bruises, electrical injuries, eye injuries, hearing loss/damage, breathing problems, and even death.

Some safety tips to avoid injury to yourself and others while operating a leaf blower:

· Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry

· Wear protective gear such as goggles, dust mask, gloves, and ear protection

· Do not attempt to use the leaf blower in the rain

· Make sure pets and children are inside

· Do not operate a leaf blower when you are standing on a ladder

· Check the yard first for any toys, rocks, or dangerous objects

· If you are operating an electric leaf blower, make sure that no one can trip on the extension cord, and it is safe for outdoor use

· If you are operating a gas leaf blower, clean up any gas spills as soon as possible

It is important to take leaf blowing very seriously. In addition to emitting noises that are 50 decibels higher than the maximum recommended volume level, they can also stir up particles that are unhealthy and toxic to humans.

However, even if you exercise the utmost care and caution while operating your leaf blower, accidents can still happen. If you or your child was injured by a leaf blower, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal remedies and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP at (332) 244-3917With Halloween only a couple of days away, take a moment to inspect the walkway leading up to your home or business and make sure it’s safe for trick-or-treaters. The last thing anyone wants is a painful or serious slip-and-fall accident to cast a pall on a happy holiday, and a few moments is all you should need to keep kids safe.

Despite the persistent jokes about them, slip-and-fall accidents can be serious and even deadly. According to the nonprofit National Safety Council, an average of 8.9 million people are injured seriously enough in slips, trips and falls every year that they need emergency-room treatment. Sadly, as many as 25,000 people die annually from these accidents.

While the issue is serious year-round, one insurer recently issued a Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Guide to raise awareness as we start to get wet leaves on sidewalks and, eventually, snow and ice. Homeowners, retailers, municipalities and employers who fail to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe for visitors can be held financially liable for injuries, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent them.

“Just five minutes of time or a five dollar safety investment can save dozens of hours, thousands of dollars in the long run, and possibly someone’s life,” says a spokesperson for the insurer.

If you’re expecting little ghouls and goblins at your home or business on Thursday, be sure your premises are safe:

• Inspect your sidewalk, steps or stoop, and other property features for any slip or trip hazards. If you don’t have time for repairs, be sure to mark them clearly so kids can avoid them.
• Keep in mind that some Halloween costumes restrict vision and maneuverability, and that little kids don’t always watch their step.
• Make sure your Halloween decorations don’t create a hazard — make sure the likely pathways to your door are unobstructed and well lit.
• If it could rain, sleet or snow on Halloween night, be sure you have the necessary items on hand to keep your sidewalk safe, such as a shovel, ice melt, and a gravelly substance to increase the friction on your walkways.

A spooky Halloween can be delightful, but one that ends with a child injured by a negligent property owner is not. Keep your little visitors safe and enjoy the holiday.

Source: Occupational Health & Safety magazine, “PHLY Offers Prevention Advice During Safe Steps Week,” Oct. 24, 2013