Hidden Danger: Unexpected Injury Risks You Should Know About

1. Laundry Detergent Pods

Laundry detergent pods are a great way to save time and avoid the mess of liquid detergents. However, they also pose serious health risks if not used properly. The concentrated detergent can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes and, when ingested, will act as a poison.

This common household product is hazardous for children, who may mistake the colorful pods for candy. In 2023 alone, America’s Poison Centers handled nearly 10,000 cases of children five or younger harmed by detergent pods (National Poison Data System, America's Poison Centers).

To keep your household safe, store laundry pods out of reach of children and pets, and always handle them with dry hands to prevent accidental bursts.

PRO TIP: If you suspect someone in your home has ingested toxic materials, seek help right away. You can reach your local poison control center by calling the Poison Help line: 1-800-222-1222. To save the number on your mobile phone, text POISON to 301-597-7137.

2. Furniture Tip-Overs

Heavy furniture such as couches, bookshelves, and dressers can tip over and cause serious injuries, particularly to children who may climb on them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that tip-over accidents result in roughly 20,000 emergency department visits yearly.

So, how can you make your home safer?

• Make sure your furniture is secured to the walls or floor using brackets and anchors.
• Place heavier items on lower shelves to stabilize units and discourage climbing.
• Make sure your TV is bolted in place. (Falling TV sets are a major cause of household injuries!)

3. Button Batteries

Button batteries, also known as watch batteries, are another hidden threat in many homes. These small batteries, commonly found in toys, remote controls, and greeting cards, are a severe choking hazard for children. They can even cause internal burns if swallowed.

Keep button batteries out of reach of children, and ensure any cabinets or boxes you use to store batteries are locked and childproof.

4. Pressure Cookers and Instant Pots

While useful for quick cooking, pressure cookers can cause burns and explosions if not used properly. Steam burns and hot liquid spills are common injuries.

When using a pressure cooker:

• Always follow manufacturer guidelines.
• Ensure proper sealing.
• Use caution when releasing steam.
• Regularly inspect the equipment for wear and tear. (If you suspect your cooker is defective or past its prime, consider getting a new model.)

PRO TIP: If you’ve been injured using a kitchen appliance, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. To learn more about your rights, check out this guide: Product Liability Injury: Do I Have a Case?

5. Dishwashers

Dishwashers pose a risk of cuts from sharp utensils and entrapment for young children. The high temperatures and chemical detergents used can also cause burns and poisoning.

Keep dishwasher doors closed when not in use and load sharp items with the points down. Install child safety locks to prevent children from getting into the dishwasher on their own.

6. Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are the leading cause of house fires in the U.S. Every year, thousands of fires are started by space heaters, usually because they were kept too close to flammable materials.

To guard your home, always keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable items. Find models with an automatic shut-off feature, and never leave them unattended​.

7. Cleaning Products

Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and poisoning if ingested. Poison control centers report thousands of incidents involving cleaning products each year.

Always read the safety warnings on cleaning products and ensure you are using them correctly.

Handle hazardous products with gloves, and make sure your house is adequately ventilated when using them.

When not in use, store your cleaning products in locked cabinets where little hands can’t reach them.

1. Trampolines

Trampolines are a beloved part of many childhoods. Unfortunately, they can also be a serious threat.

Trampolines can cause a range of injuries, from minor sprains to severe fractures and head injuries due to falls or collisions with others. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that trampolines account for over 100,000 emergency room visits annually in the U.S.

That doesn’t mean you can’t let your kids enjoy the bouncy fun of a trampoline, of course. It just means you’ll want to take extra precautions.

• Add safety nets and padding to your trampoline.
• Only allow one child to jump at a time.
• Always supervise when the trampoline is in use.

2. E-Scooters and Shared Bikes

Electric scooters, popular in urban areas, pose significant risks, including falls, collisions with vehicles, and improper use. These can result in fractures, head injuries, and other serious conditions.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that between 2017 and 2022, more than 360,000 injuries caused by e-scooters and shared bikes were treated in emergency rooms nationwide.

• When using an e-scooter or shared bike, remember to:
• Always wear a helmet.
• Follow traffic rules.
• Ride in designated areas and avoid high-traffic roads.
• Use bike lanes when available.

3. Poisonous Plants

Poisonous plants may seem like an outdated concern, but this remains a very current danger. If ingested, many plants can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or poisoning. Examples include:

• Poison ivy
• Poison oak
• Ornamental plants like oleander

Learn to identify and avoid these plants, wear protective clothing when gardening, and educate your children about the dangers of touching or eating unknown plants.

4. Swimming Pools

While great for relaxation and recreation, hot tubs and swimming pools pose risks such as slip-and-fall accidents and drowning. Infections from poorly maintained water can also be a threat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged 1-4. It is also the second most common cause of death for children aged 5-14.

Before enjoying the pool on a hot day, be ready to:

• Supervise children around water.
• Install barriers such as fences with self-latching gates (required in most jurisdictions). Keep gates closed and secured when the pool is not in use.
• Maintain proper chemical levels to prevent infections.

5. Playgrounds

Falls from playground equipment can lead to fractures, concussions, and other injuries. Poorly maintained equipment can also pose hazards, such as cuts and infections. According to the CPSC, emergency physicians treat 200,000 children with playground-related injuries every year.

To keep your children safe on the playground:

• Check that all playground equipment is well-maintained.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Teach them safe play practices before letting them play.
• Look for playgrounds with soft ground surfaces like mulch or rubber.

6. Heat

Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion are a more common – and dangerous – problem as we experience more frequent heat waves. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

When playing or working outside, be sure to:

• Stay hydrated.
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors.
• Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use fans or air conditioning when possible.

7. Pollen and Outdoor Allergens

Pollen, mold, and other outdoor allergens can trigger severe allergic reactions and asthma attacks, affecting respiratory health. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that more than 100 million Americans experience various types of allergies yearly.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Monitor pollen forecasts.
• Keep windows closed during high pollen periods, and use air purifiers indoors.
• Consider allergy medications and consult with a healthcare provider for proper management.

1. Smartphone-Related Injuries

Smartphones can distract users, leading to car crashes, falls, and pedestrian accidents. Additionally, prolonged use can result in repetitive strain injuries like "text neck" and carpal tunnel syndrome.

To use your smartphone safely, remember to:

• Limit screen time and take regular breaks.
• Use ergonomic accessories to reduce strain.
• Be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking or driving.

2. Essential Oils

Essential oils are popular for various health benefits but can pose risks if misused. Certain oils can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even poisoning if ingested. Moreover, using essential oils around pets can be dangerous as they can be toxic to animals.

To use essential oils safely:

• Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin.
• Conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
• Store essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid using essential oils internally unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

VR headsets provide immersive experiences but can lead to physical injuries. Users can trip, fall, or bump into objects while wearing VR headsets, leading to bruises, fractures, or head injuries. Additionally, prolonged use can cause eye strain and motion sickness.

To enjoy VR safely:

• Use VR headsets in a clear, open space to avoid obstacles.
• Take regular breaks to rest your eyes and prevent motion sickness.
• Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and recommendations at all times.

4. E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices

E-cigarettes and vaping devices have gained popularity as alternatives to traditional smoking, but they come with significant risks. These devices can explode or catch fire due to battery malfunctions. Furthermore, the liquids used in vaping devices contain chemicals like nicotine that can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.

To use vaping devices safely:

• Only purchase devices and e-liquids from reputable sources.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and maintaining the device.
• Educate yourself and your family on the potential health risks.

5. Home Exercise Equipment

Home exercise equipment, such as treadmills, stationary bikes, and weights, is a great way to stay fit without investing in a gym membership. However, as with any exercise equipment, they can cause injuries if you push yourself too hard. Common injuries include strains, sprains, and fractures.

To exercise safely at home:

• Ensure your equipment is maintained correctly and in good working condition.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
• Start with light exercises and gradually increase intensity to avoid overexertion.
• Keep the exercise area free of clutter to prevent tripping hazards.

If you are injured, Minnesota state law gives you the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Legal action may result in reimbursement for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

We can help!

SiebenCarey is the ONLY law firm in Minnesota with a 70-year legacy of trust, helping injury victims get the financial support they need. When you team up with SiebenCarey, you’ll get the full benefit of:

• Decades of experience
• A stellar record of successful verdicts and settlements
• Extensive legal resources to help in the most challenging cases
• An award-winning team of lawyers, paralegals, and accident scene investigators
• The “Know Your Rights” guarantee of personal care and clear communication

Plus, we always work with a contingency fee arrangement. That means that until we win your case, you won’t owe us a thing.

Reach out today, and we’ll answer all your questions and help in any way we can!