Most people assume that they're in more danger at work, such as with sewage chemical technicians, or even ice road truckers. However, did you know that statistically, most accidents happen at home? Everyone thinks they have created a nice, safe household for themselves and their families, but often household accidents are easily preventable, it's just that the home owners didn't take proper preventative measures. To help you reduce the hazards that could cause accidents or make a disaster situation worse, read this guide to household hazards.

Chemical Hazards

We rarely stop to think about it, but the average home has a lot of chemicals in it. Most household chemicals are for cleaning and tend to cause accidents when they are improperly stored. Always follow the label. If a chemical needs to be stored in a cool dry place, don't store it on the counter next to the oven. Keep all chemicals out of reach of children to avoid poisoning and never store them near food to avoid cross contamination. When using chemical cleaners, rinse well.

Painting Contractors would like to remind you that at home you need to be aware of the same hazard they face everyday as painters, which is climbing up and down a ladder. Be sure the ground is level, the ladder has a safety lock and you have a person keeping the ladder steady at the bottom when possible.

Fire Hazards

We all need to take steps to avoid household fires. Never leave a pan unattended on the stove. Clean your dryer's lint trap before each use, and inspect all electrical cords and outlets for wear regularly. Keep an extinguisher in the house and know how to use it. Be wary of open flame (including candles) in the house. Also be cautious of where you store old batteries waiting to be taken to the recycling depot.

Water Hazards

No one thinks they could drown in their home, but the fact of the matter is that anyone could drown in under three inches of water if the circumstances are right. Never sleep in the tub and always watch babies or children carefully when they bathe. Stop leaks in the plumbing when they happen to avoid rotting away the floors in your home, and know how to turn off the water in the event of a pipe bursting. Keep the thermostat high enough that your pipes don't freeze in winter.

Falls

You may think that you're sure-footed enough to hang lights on the roof without a safety line, but have you thought about who will look after your family if you fall off the roof and hurt or kill yourself? Always use a safety line when working on scaffolding, the roof, or a high ladder. Inside the house, keep rugs and toys away from the top of the stairs where they may pose a tripping hazard and blunt sharp corners in case anyone trips against them.