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Construction Worker Safety Issues

Injury Attorney — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:51:09 +0000

by Elizabeth Smith

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 816 construction workers lost their lives in 2009 due to injuries suffered on the job. That means that during that year, close to 20% of all work-related deaths in the United States were attributable to this one industry. Clearly, the number of serious health and safety challenges present in and around construction sites is rather daunting.

Some of the worst dangers include the presence of asbestos, potential lead contamination, excessive carbon monoxide in the air (due to the number of gasoline powered engines in the area) and the possibility of accidentally falling from unstable scaffolding and other high places.

Given the seriousness of all of these threats, the following list of additional construction site dangers has been created to remind construction workers and their employers of the many safety precautions that must be routinely honored if all workers at such sites are to be properly protected.

Additional Dangers Present at Many Construction Sites

Trenching and Excavation Cave-ins;
Hazardous accidents caused by defective or malfunctioning machinery;
Electrical injuries that can cause electrocutions, burns, electric shocks and falls;
Asphalt fumes and emissions;
Neurological damage caused by welding fumes;
Sandblasting or abrasive blasting dusts and particles;
Prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold;
Presence of mold and dampness in buildings;
Inadequate safety equipment to properly protect workers’ hearing and vision, and
Exposing workers’ skin to numerous toxins.

Although the fairly high pay offered to some construction workers may seem enticing, especially at a time when all jobs are hard to come by, the health and safety risks borne by construction workers should give pause to many jobhunters. Fortunately, the U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration(OSHA) continues to work hard behind the scenes, trying to make sure proper safety standards are enforced in every workplace, including construction sites.

Properly Reporting Workplace Dangers

If you know of any serious safety problems present in your workplace, please take careful note of the following information. OSHA has tried to create a safe way for you to report your concerns to the government so that proper inspections can be made. If necessary, corrective changes will be ordered. Furthermore, OSHA complaints provide filers with the right to protect their identity so that employers won’t try to retaliate against them. In other words, OSHA will keep your complaint information completely confidential while investigating it.

Workers wanting to learn more about filing OSHA complaints can visit the following link to determine how they should move forward:http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html. (This information is available online in both Spanish and English.)

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Elizabeth Smith, J.D., M.A., is a freelance writer who has successfully written about general health, safety, legal, medical and business topics for over twenty years. She has also served as the author and co-author of two professional legal texts.

Toaster Ovens and Toasters: Shock, Burn and Fire Hazards

Injury Attorney — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:39:24 +0000

Before dropping another piece of bread in the toaster or heating up a pizza in your toaster oven, check to be sure you’re using one of the safest models on the market. Far too often, consumers suffer serious burns and electrical shocks when using these types of appliances. Over time, cords can become frayed and internal wiring can develop problems due to overheating and poor maintenance. Please review the following list of defective toasters and toaster ovens so you can try to protect everyone you know from using defective appliances.

Recently Recalled Toasters and Toaster Ovens

Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Virginia, had to recall close to 300,000 Hamilton Beach® Classic Chrome Two-slice Toasters in June of 2011 because of their defective heating elements that can pose fire hazards to consumers;
In June of 2009,W. P. Appliances Inc., recalled about 7,040Wolfgang Puck Toaster Ovens/Toasters due to defective “on/off” switches that can create fire risks;
Haier America Trading L.L.C., of New York, New York, had to recall about 106,000

Toaster Ovens/Broilers in April of 2009 due to faulty electrical connections inside some of these appliances that can cause shock and burn risks to consumers;

Village Range Corp., of Greenwood, Mississippi, had to recall approximately 10,000Four-Slice Electric Toasters in January of 2009 since shock hazards can develop once the internal wiring becomes loose;
Walmart Stores, Inc., of Bentonville, Arkansas, had to recall about 210,000GeneralElectric Toasters in September of 2008after receiving 140 reports of fires and sparks shooting out of these toasters due to electrical short circuits. Some consumers said that these incidents tripped the circuit breakers in their homes;
Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Illinois, had to recall close to 12,000Electric Toasters in March of 2008 because of serious problems with the “on” switches that can create fire hazards; and
About 482,000Hamilton Beach® and Proctor-Silex® Toasterswere recalled in March of 2008 by Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Virginia, because the “on” switches can stay engaged at times, creating fire risks for consumers.

Warning Regarding the Purchase of Used Electrical Appliances

Consumers should always be extremely hesitant to purchase any “used” electrical appliances from anyone other than close friends or family members. If you’re determined to purchase this type of used item, always have a qualified repair person look it over for you beforeever using it so you won’t be harmed by any faulty wiring or malfunctioning parts.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Safety Tips for Mowing the Lawn

Injury Attorney — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:48:27 +0000

by Elizabeth Smith

Although cutting the grass with a power mower may seem like an easy task, it’s important to observe basic safety measures to fully protect yourself and others. Every year, more than 67,000 people have to seek out emergency room care due to power mower injuries. About 9,000 of those injured are just 18 years of age or younger. Deep cuts, burns, eye damage and dislocated or broken bones are among the most common power lawn mower injuries.

To help protect your family’s safety, we’ve come up with the following suggestions for minimizing the chances of anyone suffering any power lawn mower injuries.

Key Safety Tips for Cutting Any Lawn

Reread the instruction manual. Although mowing the lawn may seem as easy as riding a bicycle, take the time to thumb back through your instruction manual occasionally, looking for safety precautions you may have forgotten. If you’ve lost your manual, you may be able to download one off the Internet. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer via the company’s Web site and request a new one;
Periodically check the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Web site. Make sure your power mower (or rider mower) hasn’t been recalled;
Check out the grounds ahead of time.Before wheeling your power mower out of the garage, carefully walk across the lawn areas that you’ll be cutting, looking for sharp objects, rocks and other debris. Remove those items by placing them in a garbage can before proceeding any further;
Wear Safe Shoes. Make sure you’re wearing closed-toe shoes. Never wear sandals of any type;
Keep Young Children and Petsa Safe Distance Away. Tell your kids that they’re not to play out in the yard – or even nearby – while you’re cutting the lawn. (Once you start cutting the grass, be prepared to stop the mower and give the same warning to any other children who may approach you.)Also, keep your pets a safe distance away — never let them play nearby while you’re cutting the lawn;
Refuel Outside of the Garage But Not on the Lawn. After taking your power mower out of the garage, refuel it before heading into your yard. Always refuel when the motor is cool and turned off;
Wear thick gloves. Be sure the mower is turned off when checking the blade settings and making sure all attachments are ready for use. To be extra careful, go ahead and disconnect or remove the spark plug while handling these tasks so the machine can’t suddenly start up on its own;
No passengers on riding lawn mowers. It’s just too easy for children or others to fall off a riding mower so just cut the lawn and never, under any circumstances, let others sit behind you on the mower;
Stop the Motor When Necessary. If you need to unclog the discharge chute, remove the grass catcher or cross over an unsafe area covered by gravel or other loose materials, turn off the motor. Also, be prepared to turn off the mower when crossing over a sidewalk or driveway since it’s too easy to cause a small rock to shoot off like a projectile;
Wear safety goggles and proper earplugs. Be sure to protect your eyes with the right safety goggles and protect your ears from the loud noise. Some people also prefer to wear a small mask over their nose and mouth;
Never let children under the age of twelve use a power mower. While kids need to do some chores, never let any of your children use your power mower until they’ve safely demonstrated to you – on numerous occasions – that they can properly maneuver it around your property. Adults should usually be the only ones using rider lawn mowers;
Never smoke or drink any beverage while cutting the lawn. All of your attention must be kept on cutting the grass. Don’t even think about carrying a cell phone with you while cutting the lawn;
Push the mower in a stable fashion. Avoid pushing the mower forward too fast or maneuvering it too quickly around objects. If you’re walking behind the mower, keep your feet a safe distance away from it;
Never cut the grass when it’s getting dark. It’s much too easy to make poor safety choices when you can barely see the grassy area you’re trying to cut;
Never use an electric mower in the rain or when the grass is wet. Also, be sure to only use a grounded extension cord with an electric mower. Always check the entire cord to be sure that none of it is frayed. Be sure to only mow in a direction away from the cord;
Make sure to always store the lawn mower in a locked garage closet. Never store a power mower where anyone else can easily gain access to it. Whenever possible, maintain a locked closet area in your garage and store the mower in there. (Note: Never store a power mower or fuel cananywhere near a water heater or other appliance that has an open spark, flame or pilot light.)

If you can keep these safety tips in mind each time you cut the grass, you should be able to prevent most injuries.

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Elizabeth Smith, J.D., M.A., is a freelance writer who has successfully written about general health, safety, legal, medical and business topics for over twenty years. She has also served as the author and co-author of two professional legal texts.

Recall of Britax B-Nimble Strollers Due to Brake Issues

Injury Attorney — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:38:03 +0000

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of all Britax B-Nimble Strollers due to possible brake problems. About 20,000 of these strollers were sold in the United States and close to 800 in Canada. In its notice, the CPSC tells consumersto stop using these strollers immediately and reminds everyone that it’s against the law to try and sell recalled products.

Britax has received about seven complaints regarding the brakes on these strollers. However, no injury reports have been received. When the stroller brakes aren’t properly set or fully engaged they can move, putting children at greater risk for injuries.

Specific Identity of Recalled Strollers

Britax Child Safety, Inc., of Charlotte, North Carolina, imported these strollers. The company says that these Britax B-Nimble umbrella strollers were manufactured in China and sold online and in mass merchandise and juvenile product stores between September 2010 and June 2011. The strollers were sold for approximately two-hundred dollars ($200).

To help consumers quickly identify the recalled strollers, Britax has said that their manufacturing dates and model numbers are noted on the right (or left) sides of their lower frames/tubes. The specific model numbers being recalled are: U311771, U311773, U311775 and U311780. The strollers were sold in the following colors: black and white, green, black and silver and red.

Recommended Protective Action for Consumers

All consumers are asked to stop using these B-Nimble strollers at once and to contact Britax directly to request an “improved replacement stroller.” Consumers can reach Britax toll-free by calling 1-(888) 427-4829, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Alternatively, Britax customers can contacta company agent at the firm’s Web site: www.britaxusa.com. (Canadians seeking more information about these same strollers sold in their country may want to read Health Canada’s press release available online at: http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1352).

Further Warnings for All Consumers

If you believe that you own other Britax children’s products, you may want to conduct additional research on the Health Canada and CPSC databases since the company has had other products recalled during the past two years.

One final warning for all consumers: Be extremely careful when buying any children’s products at professional resell stores since recalled items may not always be promptly removed from their sales floors.

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Recalled Computers and Related Equipment Posing Injury Risks

Injury Lawyer — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:25:04 +0000

Since many of us need to remain very active on our computers, it’s important to avoid using potentially harmful equipment. Far too many computer products pose fire, burn and shock hazards to consumers. You simply cannot fully protect yourself by just turning off a machine that’s been running for a long period of time. In order to help consumers avoid using harmful computer equipment, our firm recently reviewed the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) list of computer-related equipment recalled during the past five years. We then created the following list of computers and related goods that should help our readers avoid using any potentially dangerous equipment. We hope you’ll share this list with others in your home or office.

Recalled Computers and Related Parts Posing Fire, Burn or Shock Risks

Acer recalled Notebook Computers in January of 2010;
Laptop Power Adaptor were recalled by Comarco in April of 2010;
HP expanded its recall of specific Notebook Computer Batteries in May of 2010;
Sony recalled its VAIO Laptop Computers in June of 2010;
Toshiba recalled its T Series Notebook Computers in September of 2010;
Acer America Corp. recalled Desktop Computers in March of 2009;
HP recalled notebook computer batteries in May of 2009;
Sony recalled Computer AC Adapters in October of 2009;
Lenovo recalled ThinkPad Notebook PC Extended-Life batteries in March of 2007;
In April of 2007, Acer America Corporation recalled Notebook Computer batteries;

This recall was updated and revised in July of 2008—Actual fires led to this recall;

Oki Data Americas recalled Digital Color Printers in October of 2007;
Toshiba recalled Notebook Computer batteries in August of 2007;
Sony recalled Notebook Computer batteries in October of 2006 due to actual fires;
Lenovo and IBM recalled ThinkPad Notebook Computer batteries in September of 2006;
Apple recalled batteries sold in earlier iBook and PowerBook Computers in August of 2006;
Dell recalled Notebook Computer batteries in August of 2006;
Specifically identified Lexar JumpDrive Computer Storage Devices were recalled in July of 2006; and
HP recalled Notebook Computer batteries in April of 2006.

Once you’ve made sure that you aren’t using any of the recalled products named above, we suggest that you start reviewing the CPSC’s list of recalled computers and related equipment about every six months. That way, you can minimize the chances that you’ll ever be harmed by any hazardous equipment.

Should you ever discover that you are using a recalled computer product, be sure to contact the manufacturer immediately to see what type of remedy may be available. (Readers interested in reviewing all of the specific CPSC recalls issued for the items listed above can visit the following link to the CPSC Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/prod.aspx Be sure to search under“computer equipment.”)

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Product Recalls and Related News

Injury Lawyer — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:49:18 +0000

Part One of Two

An unusually high number of products posing choking and strangulation risks are set forth in the September 2010 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) recall list. Other items posing laceration and impact injuries are also noted. These monthly government lists help protect consumers by urging them to avoid using or purchasing dangerous products. Our law firm recommends that you regularly review these lists before ever making a major purchase or buying anything for a child.

Part One of our September 2010 recall list review focuses mainly on products posing choking, strangulation and entrapment hazards. It also mentions items than can inflict laceration or impact injuries upon consumers.

Part Two of our September 2010 review looks at many other products, including some posing fire, burn, suffocation and fall risks. This second half of our review also includes a brief CPSC news synopsis noting recent investigations, statistical reports and assigned penalties. (Readers interested in reviewing the complete September 2010 CPSC product recall list can visit the following link: (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelsep10.html).

Products Posing Choking, Strangulation and Entrapment Hazards

Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, N.J., has agreed to voluntarily recall approximately 10,000 children’s hooded jackets and sweatshirts due to the
presence of potentially dangerous drawstrings around the hoods and waists. These features present strangulation and entrapment hazards to children. The CPSC first issued guidelines regarding such drawstrings back in February of 1996 [guidelines].
Edushape Ltd., of Deer Park, New York, has agreed to voluntarily recall about 13,500 Giant Starbuilder and Giant Stars Building Sets. This is necessary since the plastic knobs located on the center of the stars can break off and pose choking hazards to young children.
Chuck E. Cheese (CEC Entertainment, Inc., of Irving, Texas) has agreed to recall about 1,100,000 Light-up Rings and 120,000 Star Glasses at the request of both the United States CPSC and Health Canada. When the plastic casings around these items are broken into smaller pieces, they can expose the batteries, creating swallowing hazards to children. If these batteries are swallowed, they can damage a child’s esophagus, stomach, intestines or nasal mucus membranes.
Fun Stuff Inc., of Newport News, Virginia, has agreed to voluntarily recall close to 14,400 Click Armband Bracelets, 7,900 Klick Klick Balls and 14,400 BoBo Balls. When the small balls on the arms of these toys become detached, they can pose a choking hazard to children. Although the company marketed these products to children ages three and older, CPSC staff members have designated these toys for kids between 19 and 35 months.
Albee Baby, of East Rutherford, New Jersey, has agreed to recall close to 130 Sorelle brand “Prescott” (fixed-side) Cribs. Re-labeled fixed-side Simplicity Cribs, these furniture pieces contain tubular metal mattress-support frames that the CPSC recalled back in April 2010. When these frames become bent or detached their mattresses can drop, creating spaces into which infants and toddlers can fall and then suffer harm. Children can even slide through those spaces and fall right out of these cribs.
Step2® Company, of Streetsboro, Ohio, is cooperating with both the United States CPSC and Health Canada by voluntarily recalling Sand & Water Transportation Toys. (A total of about 56,000 units in the United States and 7,700 units in Canada are being recalled.) Young children face choking risks when the light blue plastic wheels on the train cars become detached.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, of Hudson, Ohio, are voluntarily recalling about 1,800 Bamboo Roll-up Blinds with valances. If a child’s neck becomes entangled within certain loops of these blinds, strangulation can occur.

Products Posing Laceration or Impact Injuries

Sky City Holdings International LTD of China has agreed to voluntarily recall about 50,000 Coleman® WaterBeam™ 4D Water-Activated Floating Spotlights. If the lens assembly becomes detached from the spotlight’s mainhousing, it can pose impact injuries to consumers.
Horizon Hobby Inc., of Champaign, Illinois, has agreed to recall Spektrum Receivers used with model airplane gliders. (A total of about 3,500 units in the United States are being recalled, along with about 150 in Canada). If the receivers lose contact with the model airplane gliders’ radio control, even when flown within prescribed limits, the gliders can fall from the sky and possibly injure consumers.
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Maryland, has agreed to recall close to
192,000 Black & Decker Random Orbit Sanders. If the platen (or black plastic
disc) that’s supposed to hold the sandpaper in place breaks apart or flies off during use, the entire disc (or parts of it) can hit the user or those nearby, possibly causing laceration injuries.
The Land of Nod, of Northbrook, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling close to 2,100 “Play with Your Veggies” Toys. If the metal wire contained in the toy asparagus becomes exposed, it can cause laceration injuries to children.
Other potentially hazardous products posing fire, burn and fall injuries are covered in Part Two of our September 2010 Consumer Product Safety Commission.

(CPSC) recall list review. Part Two also references several recent CPSC news items.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

How To Handle Children Who Fight You About Booster Seats

Injury Lawyer — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:50:48 +0000

Let’s face it, there are some children who simply refuse to sit still, and often this happens when you need them to be in the car with you driving. Unfortunately, for the child, there is no way out of this kind of situation because in many states, a child between 7 to 8 is required by law to use the booster seat in the back seat of the car.

There are sound reasons for this regulation and most shocking of all is the newly released figure that vehicular accidents has become a leading cause of death among young children. By using seatbelt secured booster seats, parents can help improve this statistic by over 50% and decrease the number of child death from accidents in the country.

California Auto Accident Lawyer

A booster seat is just that – gadget that lifts the child so he can use the seatbelt and be more secure. The problem is the fact that he is restrained and not allowed to move freely. This can be stressful for a child – even traumatic.

To help a parent deal with this kind of situation, you need to try the following ideas. Hopefully, you maintain your resolve to keep your child secure and protected over and above the screams and tantrums of being strapped in.

Have toys, books, or even a TV installed in your car. This will take out the negative in your child because he could start enjoying the different things he can do in the backseat of your car. The TV is usually installed at the back of the headrest, so it will be out of reach, yet close enough so your child can still enjoy his favorite cartoon show.

You need to speak to your child and explain what the seat is for. Also, don’t allow him to change the rules just so you can have peace and quiet in your car. You need to send a firm message that rules have to be obeyed. It might help if you point out the other kids on the road who are using booster seats as well.

You could try buying the backless booster seats instead and make it a more grown-up look. They might just want to NOT look like a baby, so by adjusting the look, you change the perspective.

Booster seats are also used in restaurants and other public places. You could get them used it by having one at home.

Remember, you are in charge, and while you may want to make them enjoy life as much as possible without crying or shouting, if you allow them to get away with small things, it’s going to lead to spoiling. This is a problem that will escalate and get bigger the more you let your child rule your life. Show tenderness, love, but a firm resolve when it comes to discipline.

Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer

The Costs of Underage Drinking

Injury Lawyer — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:09:05 +0000

In 2007, the cost U.S. citizens had to shelf out to pay for minors caught in an accident due to intoxication and drunkenness was an astounding $68 billion! The costs paid for their insurance, medical care, post surgery, trauma, and rehabilitation. In terms of direct cost through medical care and loss of income of a parent tending for her underage child, the amount is a shocking $22.3 billion every year.

Is it any wonder that several states, including California, have put together a bill that will penalize adults who supply or give alcoholic drinks to underage teenagers? The bill has passed deliberation with a 67-1 vote in favor of the bill. All it needs for now is approval by the Governor of California before it can be implemented.

California DUI Accident Attorneys

The reality of uncontrolled abuse by adults in giving alcohol to minors is shocking, to say the least. As adults, we are the ones who should be mature to know when and who to be “social host” to as far as intoxicating beverages are concerned. What’s so sad is that youth violence such as suicide, assault, homicide, and vehicular accidents are mostly caused by alcohol abuse.

There is a reason why we have made a distinction between minors and adults. As minors, there is the element of recklessness and abandon joie de vivre because of youth and immaturity. This is why there are age requirements or strict limitations for permits to drive, to travel solo, or even to vote, and they all have to do with the same reasons as minors are not being allowed to drink.

Strangely, there are groups that argue against this bill debating the fact that people at the age of 18 should be able to make decisions on their own. Therefore, any actions they may make related to alcohol excesses should not be passed on to the person who handed him or her a drink.

Sacramento Auto Accident Statistics

Let’s take an even harder look at the statistics. In 2006, there were over 2,000 homicides, almost 1 million non fatal crimes, and almost 2 million property crimes perpetuated by an underage drinker, who were caught during or after the crime was committed.

In 2007, almost 2,00 people died because of a drunk underage driver, and over 48,000 nonfatal but traumatic injuries from an accident caused by an underage drunk driver. Finally, in 2006, almost 160,000 young girls got pregnant because of being under the influence or having sex with someone who was underage and drunk. Are these figures real? Shouldn’t we even consider more drastic action to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and limb?

Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Dangers of Baby Slings – What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Injury Attorney — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:10:53 +0000

Over the past 11 years, there have been not one but 7 recorded deaths from a baby sling. The causes were ranging from suffocation, falls, and the baby’s head bumping against something hard like a door. There is even a write up from the Consumer Reports that includes baby slings as one of the baby products to avoid buying.

While the benefits for the both mother and baby are apparent when using a baby sling, the dangers are potentially devastating. Simple risks involve carrying hot drinks while using the baby sling; or cooking, driving, holding sharp object, or reaching for something over your head while using the baby sling. Here is what you might have to go through if you fail to be conscious of the dangers of baby slings.

Baby Slings Are Not Regulated

There are no safety regulations pertaining to the manufacture and use of baby slings. Thus, a baby product company can design their version of the baby sling, and there is no one governing its design. This is why you have different kinds of baby slings in the market. Some are a step above a cut sheet of cloth, while other have reinforced stitching, head rest, and other safety measure.

One such product that was recalled last March 2010 were the baby slings of Infantino, a San Diego-based company. Apparently the baby would slide deep into the sling pocket and restrict oxygen supply should the baby turn towards his mother.

The Baby Sling Does Not Come With A Harness

The sole support for the baby will come from the mother. If she does not tie the ends properly, she risks dropping the baby. Also, many mothers assume that they can go hands-free when using the baby sling, and this is dangerous because the sling can swing and cause the baby to hit something. In addition, a baby 6 months or younger still has that soft spot in his skull and a weak neck which requires the adult to hold gently as additional support. It gets even more dangerous when the adult bends down because you can smother the baby or weaken the hold on the baby.

Some Baby Slings Just Have Too Much Cloth and Not The Right Kind

Aside from the design, some baby slings are too big for your baby. You should try them on for size before buying them. Your baby’s head should not be covered by the cloth, and you should be able to see your baby easily without having to deal with any folds. Also, some cloths used for baby slings are not made of cotton which heightens the risk of smothering. Choose only natural all-cotton baby slings to be sure that your baby will not feel hot or have difficult breathing under synthetic material. Finally, never get the bag baby sling designs because these are the most dangerous of all.

Tips for Preventing Falls in the Elderly

Injury Lawyer — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:06:43 +0000

Can we prevent falls as we are getting older? There are certain truths we have to face when there is an elderly or senior citizen in our homes. First, women are more likely to fall than men and the risk increases with age. Those who do fall have a greater chance of falling again within the year. Unlike those below 60, falling can be extremely dangerous because of complications like bone injuries.

There is a growing number of death related falls among the elderly, although it may not be directly caused by the fall itself. For instance, if the elderly who fell broke a bone, that person will be forced to stay in bed to recover. People over 60 have a harder time recovering and rehabilitating because they are weaker and have less muscle control.

Here are 5 safety tips to prevent unnecessary falls:

Make Sure There Is Sufficient Supplements in the Diet

One reason for a fall is osteoporosis where the bones are more easily fractured because they are more porous. To prevent this, make sure the elderly person has enough calcium and vitamin D in his or her diet. The calcium strengthens the bone while the vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium better.

Exercise

Everyone needs to exercise, regardless of age. However, the exercise should correspond to the individual’s physical capabilities. Thus, for elderly, walking 15 minutes a day, swimming, stretching, bending, or even Tai Chi or low impact aerobics can help.

Have Regular Eye Check-ups

Two of the more common eye problems among the elderly are glaucoma and cataracts. It changes depth perception, peripheral vision, visual acuity, and even adjustment to glare. Some conditions may be treated with laser eye surgery or an operation. You can even get glasses, and make sure they are cleaned daily.

Know The Medication and Side Effects

Understand what each drug your elderly is taking and the possible side effects. This way you can schedule trips or even meals out properly. Always make sure there is no access to alcohol and that the expiration dates of the drugs are checked regularly.

Decrease Environmental Hazards

Too many elderly fall because there are no safety measures around the home or in public areas. At home, you can control these by installing hand rails or grab bars in the bathroom and stairs; taking out small loose rugs and carpets; improving lighting; putting rubber bath mats in the shower; and checking that the furniture around the house is steady.

When you go outdoors, make sure the elderly is wearing rubber soled or non-slip shoes without the deep treads; check for cracks, debris, stones, and small steps as you walk with them; and help them yourself if they refuse to use an aid for walking.