Staying Safe in the Bathroom

 

Even though it’s the smallest room in your house, more household injuries happen in the bathroom than in another other part of the home. Fortunately, there are some tips that can help you to reduce some of the risk factors that may lead to accidents, and make sure that your bathroom is a safer place.

 

Incorporating these ideas into a bathroom renovation is a great way to make sure your bathroom design promotes safety, but you can also make a few small adjustments to your existing bathroom to prevent accidents from occurring. Keep in mind that the more of these tips you can apply to your own bathroom, the safer it will be.

Invest in a good bathmat

Most bathroom accidents happen because people slip and fall when they are getting out of the bathtub or shower – so having a slip-resistant bathmat that will stick to your floor is a great way to prevent this from happening. These mats will have rubber backing that will keep them in place, so you won’t slide across the floor when you step on it. You can also put mats with suction cup backing on the floor of your shower or the bottom of your tub, to make these surfaces less slippery for when you’re getting in or out.

Install handlebars

 

These can be easily attached to the wall around your shower, bathtub, and toilet to give you a bit more leverage when you’re getting around in the bathroom. These are especially important if you have seniors who use your bathroom, because it can be a challenge for them to move around in this small space. In case you do slip, having handlebars to grab onto can be the difference between simply banging your knee on the edge of the tub and cracking your head on the bathroom floor.

Securely store potentially harmful items

 

If you have children, it’s even more vital that your medications, chemicals, and cleaning materials are kept out of their reach. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s a good idea to make sure these items are being kept properly and aren’t leaking or causing any damage. Your medications also need to be put away in a cabinet so they stay safe and dry.

Keep electrical appliances away from water

 

Water helps conduct electricity, and having electrical appliances anywhere near your bathtub or sink can raise your risk of electrocution. However, things like curling irons, hair dryers, and electric razors can be used safely in your bathroom as long as you keep them dry. Also, remember not to use them when you are in the bathtub or shower. If you like to listen to music or news while in the bathroom, invest in a waterproof radio or Bluetooth speakers installed in a safe, dry area.

 

Clean the bathroom regularly

 

Puddles on the floor can be dangerous, so it’s a good idea to mop up and spilled water after using the bathtub, shower, or sink. You also need to keep the bathroom clean to avoid the growth of mold or bacteria, which can cause serious illness or infections. However, these can be easily avoided by frequently wiping down all of the surfaces in your bathroom with safe, anti-bacterial cleaning products.

 

You don’t have to compromise on the attractiveness of your bathroom by incorporating some of these safety features, and these tips might even help make your space more aesthetically pleasing by eliminating some of the clutter and mess that could lead to accidents. Following these steps will help you prevent serious injuries from occurring in your own bathroom, and being aware of what risks are present in bathrooms can help you avoid harming yourself or others in public washrooms, too.

 

For people who live with children or seniors, or for older adults who plan to remain in their homes for many more years, these tips are even more important. These age groups are more likely to sustain injuries in the bathroom, so take extra care to ensure their protection. Your bathroom should be a safe, relaxing space where you can unwind with a hot bath after a long day – not a place where you should risk getting injured.

 

This article was written by Sam Socorro from Steam Shower Store. Sam has been writing articles for over 10 years and is a commanding voice in the health and fitness community with her articles high in demand.