Thousands of people are injured in bathroom accidents each year. Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable if homeowners follow a few simple safety tips. January is National Bath Safety Month, and a good time for homeowners to look for tips on how to design a safe bathroom. Below are some helpful suggestions on how to prevent bathtub injuries and avoid slipping while taking a bath or shower.
Install Safety Accessories
Installing specific accessories can make your bathroom significantly safer than it is currently. For example, grab bars are an excellent addition to any bathroom. Many falls occur simply because there is no practical area to grab onto if you lose your balance or trip. Grab bars can be installed on the sides of the shower, at its entrance, or in both areas, depending on the design of your bathroom. Such bars also make it easier to navigate the shower overall, as they provide a place to grip when stepping in and out of the bath.
Control Water Temperature
Many people have quickly entered a shower or bathtub assuming that the water is at the appropriate temperature, only to discover it is much hotter than desired. This sudden exposure to hot water may cause you to become injured by a burn or by falling if you attempt to hastily exit the shower. Therefore, make sure you have a way to control water temperature or check to make it is a desirable temperature before entering. There are devices available that monitor and control the temperature of the water and prevents it from exceeding a certain degree, so this may be an option for you if you frequently have water temperature concerns.
Cover Sharp Edges
If your shower has doors, glass fixtures, or similar components, you should make an effort to cover sharp edges in order to avoid cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. This is an important aspect of bath safety, as clothing is not present to provide extra protection when bathing or showering. In addition to covering sharp edges in showers and baths, be sure to cover them on counters as well.
Senior Bath Safety
If you or other residents of your home are elderly, you should consider the addition of accessories such as a shower seat and a hand-held shower head. Such devices make it easier and safer for seniors to bathe or shower, particularly those who have balance issues or take medications that may cause dizziness or an unsteady gait.
In certain cases, it may be necessary to plan a remodeling project in order to design a safe bath for you and your loved ones. When remodeling, your contractor can create a floor plan with safety in mind. This way, you can avoid slipping, control water temperature, cover sharp edges, and have the contractor install accessories such as grab bars and seats during the bathroom remodeling process.
Although it is not always possible to completely prevent every minor accident, designing a safe bathroom is a great place to begin. Contact Columbus Bath Design to receive a free estimate and talk to a professional about making your bathroom a safer place.
