Archive

Holiday Safety: Tip No. 11

Dec. 15, 1999

How to keep a trip to the hospital emergency room off your list of holiday stops.

The last place people want to end up during this time of year is at the hospital. Yet, the holiday season is also a time when accidents can occur.

"This time of year I see a lot of injuries, most of which can be avoided. Being cautious doesn't mean you still can't have fun. Precautions should be taken to prevent injuries from happening in the first place," said Dr. Andrew B. Peitzman, chief, division of general surgery and director of trauma for UPMC Health System.

Carelessness around sharp objects like broken bulbs and carving knives is a sure way to guarantee a trip to the emergency room. Peitzman offered some advice for on what to do if you are cut.

Be sure you have had an up-to-date tetanus shot (good for 5 to 10 years).
Thoroughly clean a wound with soap and water.
Apply an antibiotic ointment.
Watch for signs of infection, increased pain, swelling or drainage.
Significant lacerations may need to be sutured. Consult with your physician or visit the emergency department.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.