Friday, September 22, 2017

How to Avoid Injuring Yourself

#Stay alert and use caution in your activities.  Knowing the inherent risk in everyday activities will help you keep safe.  Here are a few to give you an idea how to do this.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 1.jpg|center]]
#*Power tools and machines.
#**Saws, drills, and other woodworking tools.
#***Keep all guards and safety features in good condition.  Many experienced craftsmen end up at the hospital when they circumvent or disable safety features to speed a job up, or make a task easier.  Blocking guards, removing safety switches, and crowding workpieces is not worth the risk.
#***Check the machine's condition.  Tag out defective tools, replace damaged power cords, and inspect blades before use.
#***Use recommended safety equipment, such as eye and hearing protection, gloves, and boots.
#***Avoid jewelry and loose fitting clothes, and keep long hair tied back or tucked under a cap.
#**Garden equipment.
#***Avoid obstacles when using a mower, weed-eater, or tiller.
#***Use the correct techniques for each piece of equipment.  Read the owner's or operator's manual for specific instructions.
#***Keep the machine in good working condition, including sharpening or replacing dull blades, replacing loose belts, and cleaning the machine after each use.
#**Household appliances.
#***Never use electrical appliances near water.  An exception may be made when using a Ground Fault Receptacle, but this is not a guarantee of your safety, as these devices can be subject to failure.
#***Plug appliances into the correct type of receptacle.  Do not remove a grounding prong from a three prong plug to adapt it for use in a two prong receptacle.
#***Never use excessive extension cords.  The length of extension cord you may use is determined by the amperage of the appliance, and the gauge (size) of wire.  A good rule of thumb is:
#****15 Amps  {{convert|100|ft|m|1}} using 12 ga. conductors, 10 Amps or less, {{convert|100|ft|m|1}} using 14 ga. conductors.
#  Keep your home safe.  You should be aware of basic home safety methods and issues.  Some of these include:[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 2.jpg|center]]
#*Smoke and/or fire alarms.  If you use battery powered units, replace the batteries annually.
#*Carbon Monoxide detectors.  Again, replace batteries annually.
#  Keep your home free of clutter and debris.  Injuries associated with tripping a falling in the home are common.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 3.jpg|center]]
#  Keep handrails and banisters on stairways securely anchored and in good condition.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 4.jpg|center]]
#  Make your bathroom safe.  If you have difficulty or limited mobility, have grab bars installed in your bathtub.  Also use an anti-slip bath mat in your tub or shower, and avoid products in the for bathing in glass containers.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 5.jpg|center]]
#  Keep the kitchen safe.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 6.jpg|center]]
#*Do not drop sharp knives or other objects in dirty dishwater.
#* Cover stove burners with burner covers when they are cooling after use.
#*Keep the floor and countertops clean.
#*Avoid or cleanup spills immediately to prevent slipping.
#  Use an ergonomic keyboard, a wrist pad, and a wrist support for using your mouse to prevent repetitive motion injuries when using a computer.  These can result in serious medical conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requiring surgery to correct.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 7.jpg|center]]
# Be extra careful when putting up and taking down holiday decorations.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 8.jpg|center]]
#*Use proper techniques when using a ladder.  Basically, this means leaning the ladder away from the structure {{convert|1|ft|m|adj=on|1}} for each {{convert|4|ft|m|1}} up you are going.
#*Never climb on an ice or snow covered roof.
#*Use the correct extension cords for outdoor lighting.  They should be marked "outdoor use", and you should never overload them.
#*Keep extension cords out of walkways.
#  Keep sidewalks and walkways clear of snow and ice.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 9.jpg|center]]
#  Be careful when playing sports.  Here are a few examples, but basically, follow the rules, and stay within your physical limits.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 10.jpg|center]]
#*Wear a helmet and other protective gear when required, whether cycling, playing football, or skateboarding.  Make sure your helmet is designed for the sport you are participating in.
#*When cycling, always wear high visibility colors such as yellow.  When cycling with limited sunlight, always wear reflective clothing.
#*Warm up prior to strenuous exercise, and cool down afterwards, to prevent muscle strain and tendon and ligament damage.
#*Use the correct footwear for each sporting activity.
#*Wear eye protection where appropriate.
#*Do not overdo it.  When beginning a new exercise program, or starting a new sport, begin slowly.
#  Be careful around swimming pools.  Never dive in shallow water, never swim alone, and use caution on slippery surfaces.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 11.jpg|center]]
#  Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn whenever you are in bright sunshine for any significant length of time.  Remember, even if you are going out for a moment, you may be sidetracked and end up staying out for hours, so if the sun is bright, put on a hat and use sunscreen or sunblock.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 12.jpg|center]]
#  Driving your car, or riding with someone else.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 13.jpg|center]]
#* Buckle your seat belt.
#*Never drink and drive, or ride with someone who is or has been drinking.
#*Drive only when you have had sufficient rest.
#*Avoid driving in hazardous weather conditions, including snow, sleet, flooding rain, or fog.
#*Keep your car well maintained, with good brakes, safe tires, and a clean windshield.
#  Follow all on-the-job safety procedures, and use all safety equipment properly.  Because jobs encompass limitless hazards and conditions, this article will not attempt to cover them all.[[Image:Avoid Injuring Yourself Step 14.jpg|center]]

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