How healthy and safe is your home

Most of us think of our homes as our sanctuaries; however surprisingly more accidents occur in the home than anywhere else.

When you actually think about it your home can be a dangerous death trap or somewhere which will keep you safe and sound but which it is could be down to you. With that in mind you need to assess your home environment carefully.

Bacteria and germs
Some germs and bacteria are a necessary part of life but in order to keep you and your family healthy you will need to minimise them in your home. Regularly using anti-bacterial sprays can help keep germs at bay. It is no good things looking pristine if they are not really clean.

Pets
With two dogs, that I adore, resident in our home we try to be careful about hygiene. We have to accept that animals can cause germs and infections at times. Hygiene around pets is very important.

Dust mites
Dust mites that may live in the carpet, bed, pillows and bedding can cause or aggravate allergies and breathing problems. Investing in the latest vacuum cleaners, and allergy free materials for bedding and the like, can improve health.

Fumes
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous emission which can be emitted from gas appliances. It is called the silent killer, as it is hard to detect. Appliances need to be regularly serviced and maintained to prevent such problems. Also investing in a Carbon Monoxide detector is sensible and these days much cheaper than before. Similarly using certain paints and cleaning products around the home may expose you to harmful fumes. Be sensible and buy products that are user friendly.

Health and Safety
Imagine your home is your workplace and do a health and safety assessment. You may be surprised at what you find that is unsafe. It could be broken ladders, insecure handrails, poor water supply or unsafe electrics, old and faulty equipment, lack of fire alarms, poor sanitation, good looking furniture that hurts your back, old and worn out mattresses or one of many things.

In our homes we all use unsafe practices at times, for example using potentially lethal equipment such as lawn mowers whilst wearing sandals and a flowing dress. At home, as at work, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job and the right clothing.

Air quality
In order to be healthy we all need a good healthy supply of oxygen. We also need to keep our bodies at a good temperature. It is important to have sufficient heat in your home, but not too much, and to have fresh air, not stale air.

Cigarette smoke
Obviously a home filled with cigarette smoke will not be healthy. If possible make your home no smoking. If you cannot quit smoking take it outside and make visitors do the same.

Your groceries and drinks
Shop for healthy foods and only buy alcohol on an occasional basis. A healthy home may have occasional treats in its store cupboard but will usually have more fruit and vegetables than anything else.

Conclusion
Safety and health are really one and the same or at least they can be. Be safe and protect your health at home as you would in your workplace.