Hazards
I thought I would put this page together, as
most sighted people don't realize the potential hazards that we
come across in everyday life (both out in the community and at
home). A few of these hazards can be fixed rather quickly -
for safe passage for the visually impaired person. Other hazards
will need to be reported to the appropriate people.
Out
in the community
Some of these, are hazards we come across in
everyday life...
Going to and from town
Damaged
footpaths or kerbs - where you could twist an ankle.
(These can be reported to council to fix).
Potholes in the road that
haven't been filled in - which could cause injuries. (Again, these
can be reported to council for fixing).
Cars parked across footpaths.
(Owners of cars should park their car on the side of the road, or
within the boundaries of the property).
Overhanging branches over
a footpath at head height - which could cause an eye injury.
(Property owners can trim these back so they are off the pathway,
or report them to council if on council land. People renting could
report these to their landlord or trim them themselves).
Loose dogs, or dogs not walked on
their leads that may attack. (Owners need to keep dogs on
leads if in areas where leads are required, or check to see that
their gates are closed).
Pushbikes and skateboards left outside a
shop (laying down on the footpath) - which a
person may trip over. (People need to leave their equipment safely
out of the way).
Noticeboards out on the
footpath up town and not in
their correct areas may cause a person to walk into them.
(Leave boards close to the building, or to the outside of the
path).
Clear doors or sliding doors that
are not marked across the
centre of the door. If they are too clear a person could
walk right through them. (Mark your clear doors in the centre left
to right).
This is also the same for homes.
Cords that are on a floor
in a shop or a home - these may be tripped over. (Tape these to
the floor or secure them so they cannot be tripped over).
Around the home
Leaving items
on the floor, such as toys, vacuum cleaners etc; leaving
chairs out at the table to walk into; drawers being left out,
doors and gates being left half open - or shut directly in front
of you without your knowledge - could all be walked into or upon.
(Clear the floor, put items away, tell someone if the door is open
or closed, and don't leave drawers open).
Moving furniture around
without telling them can be hazardous. Telling them where
things are, or what has been changed - will let them picture the
new layout.
Some houses have overhanging china cabinets or cupboards on the
ceiling - where they can knock their head. (Make them aware
of cupboard heights and dimensions).
Items being left out on the lawn (such as lawn
mowers, hose reels, rakes etc) can easily be stepped on. (Put
tools away and store to the outside so as to avoid injury).
Windows that come out at
head height opening outwards
over a path or garden - may be able to be walked into. (Ensure if
you do this, that you alert the person to the possible hazard).
In summary, keep areas clear, alert the person to
obstacles they may encounter and do not leave things lying
around in general.
If you do move things - ensure they are aware of the changes!
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