Suction cup grab bars, hand rails and assistive technology provide stability in the home, helping to avoid accidental injury from falls in the bathroom and other dangerous areas.

The Top 5 Causes of Accidental Home Injury Deaths—and How to Prevent Them

By Luke Mullins

Posted: August 31, 2009

Although we all like to think of our homes as sanctuaries of comfort and security, the typical American house harbors some significant safety risks. In fact, every year more than 18,000 Americans die from accidental injuries that take place in the house, making our homes the second-most-common location—behind only cars on the road—of such fatalities. But even amid the worst recession since World War II, homeowners can take steps to reduce these risks, says Meri-K Appy, the president of the Home Safety Council. In an interview with U.S. News, Appy discussed the five leading causes of unintentional home injury deaths and offered simple, cost-effective ways to increase household safety.

1. Falls: Falling is the leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths; it claims nearly 6,000 lives per year, according to the Home Safety Council. And although there are all sorts of ways to reduce this risk, Appy recommends that homeowners install grab bars in their bathtubs and showers. "The reason I worry about bathrooms is because if you fall in the tub or the shower, you are falling onto such a hard surface," which can result in a more severe injury, Appy says. Although many consumers recoil at the though of grab bars—which are often associated with nursing homes and elderly-care facilities—Appy says such perceptions are outdated. "The new models that are now on the market are much more attractive than they ever used to be," she says. "So let's get rid of the idea that they are going to be ugly." More recent models, she says, are designed to complement the other items in your bathroom and can be easily installed.

Read the whole article at US News and World Report