Serious personal injuries can happen almost anywhere – at work, on the road, at home or at play. However, you can take proactive measures to minimize your risk of being injured and to protect yourself and the people around you. Some of the following suggestions can serve as a good starting point for taking practical safety measures.
At Work
Employees need on-going training and education in order to minimize the risk of injuries and promote a safe work environment. Workers should use protective gear whenever appropriate. Common sense, company-issued protocol, and state and federal regulations should also be part of what keeps a work environment safe; for example, knowing how to perform CPR or how to safely exit the building during an emergency. If an accident does happen, every employee needs to know how to address the problem. The company should also fully cooperate with and participate in the investigation as well. A detailed description of the incident can show where safety measures can best be improved. If you were the victim of an on-the-job accident, our Vancouver personal injury attorney can recommend possible next steps.
On the Road
For most people, the importance of wearing a seat belt in the car is ingrained into them as small children. Avoiding the use of electronics has also been shown to save lives on the road; that is, neither talking on a cellular phone nor texting. While prevalent public-safety ads warn of the dangers of impaired driving, motorists should be alert when they get behind the wheel. Defensive driving is a proactive measure that all drivers can and should take to keep themselves and others safe.
At Home
Knowing serious risks at home is the first step in improving home safety. Some of the biggest culprits of injuries and fatalities include falls, fires, knives, poisoning, choking and suffocation. General organization and maintenance can go a long way toward preventing falls. Having smoke alarms and emergency plans in place can cut down the risk of being injured in a fire. Marking chemicals and keeping them out of the reach of young children can also effectively reduce the risk of accidents. Small objects should be kept away from young children, too, and everyone in your household should understand the proper care and use of kitchen knives. If you or someone in your family suffers an injury when you are at someone else’s home, that person could be liable. For more information on such a situation, call our Vancouver personal injury lawyer.
At Play
Most sports and some hobbies have specific safety guidelines to keep you safe while participating in them. Wearing protective gear, playing with a teammate, knowing the basics of your chosen pastime, and exercising common courtesy are beginning suggestions that even the youngest participants learn in league sports. They are in place to avoid encountering sudden, life-changing injuries that are all too common, such as concussions.
Legal Expertise in Serious Situations
Despite your best efforts, you still might be involved in an accident through no fault of your own. Our Vancouver personal injury lawyer can discuss your case with you and help you determine the best course of action – and the best path toward healing. You can reach the Etengoff Pak Law Group at (360) 693 -2919 to schedule an appointment.