The holiday season is among us, bringing joy and happiness. It also brings a burning passion while decorating our homes and trees and placing lights across the roof, windows, doors, and walls. Not to mention, in 2020, we all know how important it is to spread cheer. And the effort clearly pays off at the end when you witness your home full of holiday spirit. However, it also puts us at a higher risk of holiday injuries. In fact, the most commonly reported decorating incidents involved falls, lacerations, and back strains.

What is the Risk of Holiday Injuries

However, holiday decorating has a certain degree of risk if not done carefully. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are more than 5,800 injuries per year from holiday decorating. Based on data from the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 15,000 injuries from holiday decorating were seen in emergency departments nationwide in 2012 alone. 250 injuries a day during the holiday season, according to the CPSC.

Activities such as hanging lights standing on stairs, lifting decorations, and setting the Christmas tree can lead to strains and muscle overuse. The most common holiday injuries involve falls, trauma, back strains, and lacerations.

So, it’s recommended to add precautions to avoid injuries when decorating your home for the holidays.

Prevention Holiday Checklist

Here there is a prevention checklist to help you avoid injuries during this holiday season:

  • Always stretch before and after any physical activity to loosen the muscles. Do not underestimate the task ahead of you! Decorating involves a lot of physical activity.
  • When lifting heaving items, lift with your legs, not your back. The average 6.5′ to 8′ Christmas tree weight is between 50 to 70 pounds.
  • When carrying packages, keep them close to your center of gravity (closer to your body). The closer to your spine and center of gravity, the less stress it puts on your back.
  • If you need to carry multiple items, it is better to make several trips instead of one.
  • When using a ladder, always inspect the ladder before using it.
  • Place the ladder on the level and firm ground. Do not lean too far to one side.
  • Avoid breakable, heavy, and sharp decorations (if possible).

If you encounter an injury this holiday season, call us at 888-409-8006. We offer top orthopedic specialists and pain management doctors throughout South Florida.