Explore the surprising yet significant statistics related to garage door injuries, shedding light on a commonly overlooked safety concern in our everyday lives.
Garage door injuries are more common than you might think, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reporting that more than 20,000 people visit the hospital annually due to incidents related to garage doors.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive examination of these statistics, including the types of injuries sustained, the demographics most affected, and the primary causes behind these accidents.
Additionally, we’ll delve into the measures you can take to prevent such mishaps, ensuring your garage remains a safe space for everyone.
Stay with us to learn more about this important yet often overlooked aspect of garage safety.
An estimated 20,000 people a year get several types of injuries from garage door mishaps
Each year, a staggering tally of injuries attributed to garage doors can be found across the nation. An extensive array of mishaps account for these incidents, ranging from minor bruises and bumps to serious injuries that demand immediate medical attention.
The human toll is significant, with the cumulative figure reaching approximately 20,000 people annually. This highlights the gravity of garage door safety, underlining the importance of cautious handling and regular maintenance.
About 7,700 Americans suffer pinching injuries from getting caught in garage door panels
Pinching injuries occur when fingers or hands get caught between garage door panels as they close or open. These incidents yield a significant number, with approximately 7,700 incidents reported in the United States annually. Such injuries can range from minor bruises and lacerations to more severe cases which could potentially involve bone fractures or even amputation.
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to keep hands and fingers clear of garage door panels during operation. One effective method to avoid such mishaps involves installing pinch-resistant garage door designs that can push fingers out of harm’s way as the door closes. Ensuring regular professional check-ups can also help minimize risk and maintain optimal door function, thereby preventing potential injury caused by faulty operation.
800 Americans each year suffer lacerations when the window glass of their garage door breaks
Cases of lacerations due to broken garage door glass remain alarmingly high in the United States. Around 800 individuals annually fall victim to this potentially severe injury.
Typically, these incidents occur when the glass on their garage door shatters under pressure or due to unanticipated accidents. This results in sharp fragments that can easily lead to lacerations upon contact.
This finding emphasizes the need for enhanced garage door safety measures, such as routine inspections and maintenance to spot potential risks promptly.
Furthermore, considering the use of reinforced or safety glass can significantly mitigate this specific threat.
The estimated cost of garage door injuries amounts to $12 billion annually
In examining the financial implications, it’s astounding to note that injury-related costs, on the national scale, sit at around $12 billion each year. This figure not only includes medical fees but also accounts for lost wages due to recovery time, as well as expenses associated with ongoing therapy or rehabilitation.
The large financial burden underscores the importance of preventative measures and safety practices in reducing garage door accidents. Regular inspections and timely repairs could significantly lower these staggering economic costs and, more critically, the physical and emotional toll on victims.
Since the 90s, over 46 children died from being trapped under automatic garage doors
Tragic incidents involving minors have seen a significant share in garage door accidents. Spanning from the 1990s to the present day, recorded fatalities have exceeded 46, with most cases involving children becoming trapped under automatically operating systems.
A large majority of these severe occurrences were preventable, underscoring the crucial need for safety mechanisms and adult supervision during operation.
To put the safety of young ones first, it is essential to implement precautionary measures, conduct regular maintenance checks, and educate children on the dangers of unsupervised usage.
Children are the most common victims of garage door accidents and injuries
With curiosity and lack of risk awareness, children often end up being vulnerable in garage environments. Automatic and manual garage doors inflict significant damage, ranging from minor to life-threatening injuries. From getting fingers caught in panels to being pinned underneath, these are accidents that often target the youngest ones.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an alarming number of kids hospitalized due to garage door injuries yearly. It’s imperative to educate children about the potential dangers and enforce safety measures, such as keeping remote controls out of their reach and performing regular maintenance checks.
Improper maintenance is one of the major reasons for garage door injuries
Neglected upkeep often leads directly to hazardous situations. Springs, cables, rollers, and tracks require regular checks, as they experience wear and tear over time. Non-professional attempts to repair or replace these parts often result in severe injuries due to the high tension in the system.
Furthermore, safety features like auto-reversing mechanisms and motion detection sensors need constant testing to ensure they function correctly. Lack of such preventative measures leaves garage doors susceptible to malfunctions, turning them into dangerous, potential injury hazards.
Cuts, head injuries, and claustrophobia are among the most common examples of garage injuries
As homeowners venture into their garage for routine maintenance or an impromptu DIY project, unexpected mishaps can occur. Smooth and shiny, the panels of garage doors can hide potential hazards. Sharp edges or broken segments can result in cuts, potentially serious if not treated promptly.
Further, automation and heavy machinery mean the potential for head injuries should not be understated. Being struck by a malfunctioning door can result in concussions or, in severe instances, skull fractures. Alarmingly, such injuries often occur in residential settings, leading to emergency hospital visits.
Meanwhile, it’s not all about physical trauma. Psychological distress, primarily claustrophobia, is a lesser-known but equally harmful side effect. Individuals often become trapped in garages due to door failure, leading to bouts of acute stress and anxiety, especially for those predisposed to claustrophobia.
Such injuries underscore the importance of regular garage door maintenance. Always exercise awareness and caution to ensure a safe garage environment.
Garage doors in the US are usually 8 ft wide or 7ft tall and 9 ft wide by 7 ft tall for a single-car garage
Predominantly, residential garage dimensions stand at 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall or 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall. This size is optimized for a single vehicle, ensuring ample space for both car storage and safe navigation in and out of the garage. It is this standardized, one-car garage size that most American homes incorporate.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of these dimensions when considering safety; the limited space can increase the risk of inadvertent contact with the door mechanism, leading to potential injuries.
Since January 2023, 3 employees have been injured due to a garage door accident
Despite safety advancements, workplace mishaps involving garage doors remain a concern. In the last few months, an unfortunate series of incidents resulted in three employees sustaining injuries.
A heightened focus on training programs, especially surrounding maintenance and correct usage protocols, could be instrumental in preventing such occurrences in the future.
Furthermore, these incidents also highlight the importance of regular safety inspections and adherence to industry safety standards in protecting employees against potential garage door accidents.
References:
- https://www.reifflawfirm.com/
- http://www.dynamicgaragedoor.com/
- https://insiderexclusive.com/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/
- https://www.actiongaragedoor.com/
- https://www.clopaydoor.com/
- https://www.osha.gov/