Your home should be the safest place on Earth, but home accident stats show that’s not always the case. Your bathroom, kitchen, and even the bedroom might be dangerous to your health. Avocado hand visits to the ER are soaring, and poisoning is one of the top five fatal household injuries. So it’s time to pay attention to how you use your home.
Below you’ll find more data and numbers that will make you think about being more careful while in the shower or bathing your child in the bathtub.
Home Injury Statistics (Editor’s Choice)
- Poisoning is one of the top five fatal household injuries
- More than 75% of accidental gun deaths occur at home
- Every year, 17 people die due to household appliances
- There’s a 1 in 685,000 chance of an adult person drowning in a bathtub
- During the pandemic, calls to US poison centers increased 20%
- More than 10,300 people lost their lives in a fall involving a bed
- Every day, avocado hand injury sends 24 people to the ER
- There are 322,562 ER visits for knife-related injury per year
Most Common Causes of Accidental Death at Home
Reading the following stats will make you think that even sitting on a toilet is dangerous. While your home has some hazards that might be life-threatening, you’re more likely to get injured than die. Still, the numbers shouldn’t be ignored.
1. 160,000 Americans die due to accidents every year
(Safewise)
This number is so high that it makes accidents the third biggest cause of death in the US. Unintentional household injury makes up 75% of these deaths.
2. Poisoning is among the top 5 fatal household injuries
(Safewise)
According to home accident stats, poisoning is a fatal home accident. Falling, choking, drowning, and burns due to fire are right after poisoning.
3. West Virginia has the highest fatality rates per 100,000 residents
(Safewise)
With a 38.4 fatality rate, West Virginia is the state with the most accidental deaths. New Mexico, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Vermont are behind, with rates of 38.2, 30.5, 30.4, and 29.6, respectively. Conversely, Maryland, California, New York, Texas, and Utah have the lowest household accidents per 100,000 people.
4. 77% of accidental gun deaths happen at home
(Aftermath)
Most accidents occur in the home, and guns are a huge part of it. Around 77% of gun-related deaths happen at home and most commonly to those under 25. Adolescents are most likely to suffer consequences since they’re naturally curious about firearms. Guns should be kept in a safe place and cleaned regularly to avoid malfunction. That’s why you should place gun safe and a pistol cleaning kit purchase on top of your list -even before buying a gun.
If you are worried about keeping a firearm in your home, then less-than-lethal weapons like stun guns and tasers might be a good option.
5. Syncope accounts for 3%-5% of ER visits, and luckily defecation syncope accounts for even less
(NCBI)
Defecation syncope is defined as a loss of consciousness while a person is on the toilet. While it doesn’t cause many toilet deaths per year on its own, a person with a compromised cardiovascular system may suffer cardiac arrest after the defecation syncope. This happens because of the rapid changes in blood pressure and a decreased flow of blood to the brain. The body can’t handle the quick changes; the person faints and shortly after passes out.
6. 28% of cases when children drowned happened because of lack of supervision
(Lifesaving)
According to the number of bathtub deaths per year, in 28% of the cases, a caregiver left to do something else for a brief period. In 23% of cases, the child was left under the supervision of another kid or a nanny. Which is why knowing what happens with your children inside your home at all times is vital. The majority of the bathtub drowning happened while there was an interruption, such as a doorbell ringing.
7. 87 children under 5 drown per year
(Ahchealthenews)
Child accidental death statistics clearly say that children under the age of 6 shouldn’t be left alone in the bathtub. 87 young children drown inside the home each year, and 80% of those cases happen in the bathrooms. On the other hand, it’s very rare for an adult to drown in the tub, but some cases do exist. If adults were to drown, it would likely happen because of other causes, such as slipping and hitting the head. That’s why the numbers of bathroom deaths per year for adults are low.
8. 17 people die because of household appliances per year
(Insideedition)
Kitchen appliances can be the cause of accidental death. While the latest data doesn’t clearly show how many refrigerator deaths per year happen in the US, children are most likely to get trapped and pass away.
9. Chances of drowning in a bathtub are 1 in 685,000
(Techjuice)
To put things in perspective, the chances of an adult fatally slipping in the shower are 1 in 576,000. That’s 14 times more likely to die in the bathtub than by a terrorist attack.
10. One person dies every day from using the bathroom or the shower in the US
(Visual.ly)
Bathrooms are also another dangerous place in the homes. Slippery surfaces, out-of-reach items, and bathtub sides cause 365 shower deaths per year. In addition, making33% of elderly people require hospital admission after a bathroom accident, and one person dies per day by using their bathroom or a shower.
11. Over 10,300 people died in a fall involving a bed
(Hcwlaw)
Getting out of bed can be deadly when people are intoxicated or dizzy. 10,200 people died due to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, and this issue is more likely to be present among elderly and children. Babies are especially in danger due to inadequate cribs or beds for sleeping.
This number is 25% higher than deaths after falling from buildings. Even though poisoning is the most common reason for accidental deaths in the home, there are many more issues to pay attention to.
12. 4,000 deaths happen around agricultural machinery
(Hcwlaw)
Dangers are not located only inside the homes. Farmers are involved in hard work in all weather conditions. This affects their focus and can lead to accidents while working on a farm. Falling from heights around the home can also happen since about 1,500 people died falling from a tree while trimming it. When it comes to other most common accidental deaths outside the house but within real estate lines, about 100 people were killed by a power lawnmower.
13. Calls to US poison centers increased 20% during the pandemic
(CDC)
Coronavirus forced people to clean vigilantly, which increased the exposure to harmful chemicals. This increase was noted across all age groups; however, the number of exposed children under 5 was the highest. Bleaches also accounted for the largest percentage of the increase.
Most Common Household Injuries & Accidents
Falls seem to cause the most household injuries, and stairs are common places people fall. Unfortunately, the kitchen is also not as safe as you might think, especially for people who love cooking and are using sharp knives.
14. Falls cause 72% of all home-related ER admissions
(Racv)
Falls seem to be the most common cause of injury, especially among people aged 65 and older. The most common injury after a fall is a fractured hip.
15. 6 out of 10 falls happen at home
(NIA)
People move around believing they are safe and pay no attention to all the hazards inside their homes. However, according to the home injury statistics, falls should be taken seriously since 6 out of 10 falls happen inside the house. Moving through stairways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and other living areas can cause a fall if you are not careful enough.
16. Cost of non-fatal stair injuries is about $92 billion annually
(Reuters)
All ages are equally in danger of falling down the stairs, and the most common cause is slippery surfaces. According to the latest stair accidents statistic, both direct and indirect stair-related injuries cost $92 billion per year.
17. Avocado hand injury sends 24 people to the ER every day
(Foodandwine)
The love for avocados can be painful as 24 people visit the ER daily due to an avocado hand injury. People have problems handling avocados, and it often happens that the knife slips and hurts the individual. The latest kitchen accident statistics state that avocado hand injury is on the rise.
18. Estimated annual number of ER visits for knife-related injury is 322,562
(Foodsafetysuperhero)
The most common injuries in the kitchen are finger lacerations and finger avulsions because of the improper use of sharp knives. Tableware made 90,577 people visit the ER for finger lacerations and upper torso burns. Drinking glasses caused 56,433 injuries. Kitchen injuries statistics also list bottles and jars, refrigerators, ovens, cookware, dishwashers, and many other kitchen tools as hazardous.
19. Cooking causes more than 172,000 household fires
(NFPA)
According to the last available data, cooking causes 172,900 household fires, and it accounts for 49% of all reported home fires in the US. Cooking fires are also responsible for 21% of home fire deaths and 44% of injuries. Cooking fires were responsible for 550 deaths in 2019. Fires in the kitchen are considered one of the most common kitchen accidents, and the numbers are increasing around holidays. The pandemic has also affected the growth of kitchen fires since people are inside and cooking more.
20. Around 20% of electrical injuries happen among children
(NCBI)
There are approximately 1,000 electricity-related deaths in the US per year and around 30,000 non-fatal shock incidents. Electrical injuries in children and adolescents account for 20% of these. While adults suffer these injuries at work, kids suffer in the household, which makes electrical accidents the most common household accidents.
21. Unintentional carbon monoxide causes more than 20,000 ER visits each year
(NSC)
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, and that’s why it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. It derives from trucks, fuels, lanterns, fireplaces, or furnaces. Winter is the most dangerous season since people are turning up their heating systems. The amount of people that visit the ER because of carbon monoxide poisoning is higher than 20,000, and about 4,000 stay hospitalized. This makes it one of the top 10 hazards in the home. That’s why experts recommend installing smoke alarms with carbon monoxide detection to prevent situations like these.
22. 53.6% of accidents happen in the household
(Mydenveraccidentlawfirm)
This includes all accidents inside and outside the house within the property, including backyards. The most common one is falling inside and outside the home, which can cause severe consequences for elderly people. However, many of these accidents can be prevented. In addition, these accidents are usually covered by insurance, especially if someone else gets hurt.
Home Safety Facts
Many seniors want to age in place, meaning they want to stay in their current homes instead of going to retirement homes. This is plausible if they do some home modifications to prevent household accidents.
23. 50% of people who haven’t had a fall fear they will
(Dovepress)
Falls in older adults are a common household accident, and it’s expected that generations over 65 will be fearful. This fear is more related to the post-fall syndrome, where people who fell once are afraid it will happen again. The effect of one fall as a home accident is enormous. The sustained injuries may range from mild, such as bruises, to severe, such as hip fractures. So, it’s no wonder that 50% of elderly people are afraid.
24. Medical alert systems start at about $20 per month
(Aginginplace)
Since the elderly population is at high risk of household injuries, chances are they’ll need more supervision. Unfortunately, many family members have to leave their elderly alone while at work, but there’s a way to prevent injuries and exclude a loved one from household accidents statistics. Medical alert systems are more affordable than in-person monitoring. These systems also help elderly keep their independence while knowing they are safe.
25. 87% of seniors want to stay in their homes
(Aginginplace)
Most seniors don’t want to leave their homes and move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of home safety for older adults and remodel the house as much as possible. For example, first-floor bathrooms with proper safety handles, fire alarms, and proper flooring can minimize the risks of falls and other injuries.
Conclusion
Many don’t think of their home as hazardous places. But, unfortunately, even though it’s a place where the entire family should feel safe, sometimes accidents happen. According to the latest home accident stats, people should pay more attention, especially if they have kids or elderly loved ones.
Poisoning, kitchen accidents, falls, bathtub accidents can all happen in a blink of an eye, and unfortunately, sometimes there’s no going back. People get hurt, some even die, and the consequences are hard to handle. Luckily, all these accidents are entirely preventable with some modification of the household.
People Also Ask
What percentage of accidents happen at home?
Unfortunately, 160,000 Americans die due to accidents every year, and 75% of these deaths are because of household injuries. In addition, 53.6% of accidents happen in the household, including inside and outside accidents within real estate lines. Poisoning, falling, choking, drowning, and fires are the most common accidents. Luckily, these accidents are preventable with a little home modification.
What is the most common accident in the home?
The dangers are lurking both inside and outside of the home. Inside the household, poisoning, cuts, slips, falls, choking, and burns are the most common accidents. Outside the house, falls are the most common thing to happen to people of all ages. Slippery surfaces can be all around the backyard. There’s also the danger related to agricultural machines, height, lawnmowers, etc.
How many accidents happen at home each year?
6 out of 10 falls happen at home. In kitchen accidents, avocado hand injury sends 24 people to the ER every day, more than 8,7000 ER visits each year. The estimated annual number of ER visits for knife-related injury is 322,562, and cooking causes more than 172,000 household fires. Finally, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning causes more than 20,000 ER visits each year, where 4,000 people remain hospitalized.
Where do most accidents happen in the house?
Bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms seem to be the most common rooms where accidents happen. Bathrooms are often slippery, and people rush out of the bathtub or leave children unattended. Kitchens are a disaster on their own due to many appliances and sharp objects that can cause severe injuries. Bedrooms are also on the list because people are often drowsy and clumsy while moving around.
What are the five most common kitchen accidents?
While avocado hand injury is on the rise, kitchens can cause many more accidents. Wet floors can cause slips and falls, resulting in broken bones. Knives and drinking glasses can cause lacerations. Improper usage of appliances can cause an electric shock, and the heated oil is always a potential fire and burn hazard. Poisoning can also happen in the kitchen.
What percentage of household accidents happen in the bathroom?
Around 80% of falls happen to senior citizens in the bathroom. Children under 5 are also likely to drown. According to the numbers, 87 young children drown inside the home every year, and 80% of these cases happen in the bathrooms. According to the home accident stats, this makes elderly and children a vulnerable category that should be supervised while using the bathroom.
