Home Hazards You Can’t Ignore: Dr. Jordan Sudberg Breaks Down the Most Common Household Accidents

Home should be a place of comfort, safety, and retreat—but it’s also the setting for countless injuries each year. According to the National Safety Council, home-related injuries account for millions of emergency room visits annually, ranging from minor sprains to life-altering trauma.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a board-certified pain management specialist, has seen firsthand how even a seemingly harmless mishap—like slipping in the bathroom or lifting a heavy object incorrectly—can turn into chronic pain or lasting disability.

“Most people think the biggest dangers are outside the home,” says Dr. Sudberg. “But everyday activities like walking down stairs, cooking dinner, or even standing on a chair can lead to serious injuries if you’re not careful.”

In this blog post, Dr. Sudberg shares his medical insights into the most common home accidents, what makes them dangerous, and most importantly, how to prevent them.

1. Falls: The Silent Epidemic at Home

Falls are the leading cause of home injuries and a top reason older adults visit the emergency room. But they don’t just affect the elderly—children, teens, and adults are all at risk.

Common fall scenarios include:

• Slipping on wet floors (especially in kitchens and bathrooms)
  
• Tripping over loose rugs or electrical cords
  
• Falling down stairs
  
• Using unstable ladders or furniture to reach high places
  

Dr. Sudberg frequently treats patients who suffer spinal injuries, fractured hips, herniated discs, and chronic back pain from seemingly minor falls.

“Even if a fall doesn’t break a bone, it can result in soft tissue injuries that cause long-term pain if not properly managed,” he explains.

Prevention Tips:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms
  
• Use non-slip mats in showers and bathtubs
  
• Improve lighting in hallways and stairwells
  
• Secure rugs with non-slip backing
  
• Keep walkways clear of clutter
  

2. Burns and Scalds: Danger in the Kitchen

Kitchens are among the most hazardous rooms in the home. Burns from hot pans, boiling water, or even steam are extremely common and painful.

Scalds are especially prevalent in households with small children, where accidental tipping of hot liquids can lead to severe injuries.

“Burn injuries often require specialized care, and they can leave physical and emotional scars,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Even minor burns can result in nerve damage or long-term sensitivity.”

Prevention Tips:

• Turn pot handles inward on the stove
  
• Never leave cooking unattended
  
• Test bath water temperature before bathing children
  
• Keep hot beverages out of children’s reach
  
• Use oven mitts and stove guards
  

3. Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp Tools and Slippery Hands

Knives, broken glass, razors, and power tools are all common culprits of serious cuts and lacerations at home. Kitchens and garages are the most frequent danger zones.

These injuries can range from minor to severe, involving tendon damage, nerve lacerations, or even blood loss requiring surgical intervention.

“Hand and wrist injuries are especially complex,” notes Dr. Sudberg. “If not properly treated, they can lead to chronic pain, limited motion, and long-term dysfunction.”

Prevention Tips:

• Use sharp knives—dull ones are more dangerous
  
• Wear protective gloves when using tools
  
• Store sharp objects safely and out of reach of children
  
• Clean up broken glass immediately using a broom or thick gloves
  

4. Lifting Injuries: The Hidden Back Pain Triggers

It might seem simple to lift a box of books or rearrange furniture, but improper lifting is a major cause of lower back injuries, especially among adults working from home.

Sudden lifting or twisting motions can lead to muscle strains, herniated discs, or pinched nerves—all of which Dr. Sudberg treats regularly in his pain management clinic.

“Lifting injuries are preventable in almost every case,” he stresses. “But people often skip proper form in a rush or overestimate their strength.”

Prevention Tips:

• Bend your knees—not your back
  
• Keep the object close to your body
  
• Avoid twisting while lifting
  
• Ask for help with heavy or awkward items
  
• Strengthen core muscles to support your spine
  

5. Poisoning: Hidden Hazards in Cabinets

Poisoning isn’t just a childhood risk. Cleaning products, prescription medications, and even carbon monoxide pose a serious threat to people of all ages.

In fact, unintentional poisoning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the U.S.—much of it happening inside the home.

“We’ve had patients come in with dizziness, nausea, and nerve symptoms due to undetected carbon monoxide leaks or mixing household cleaners,” says Dr. Sudberg.

Prevention Tips:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home
  
• Keep chemicals in original containers with clear labels
  
• Lock up medications and household cleaners
  
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar
  
• Dispose of expired or unused medications properly
  

6. Choking and Suffocation

Choking hazards are especially concerning for families with young children or elderly individuals. Common items like food, small toys, or even loose bedding can become deadly if precautions aren’t taken.

Choking can lead to hypoxia, brain injury, or even death if not treated immediately.

“Seconds count during a choking emergency,” Dr. Sudberg says. “Knowing the Heimlich maneuver can save lives.”

Prevention Tips:

• Cut food into small, manageable pieces
  
• Keep small objects and coins away from children
  
• Avoid talking or laughing with food in your mouth
  
• Never allow children to play with plastic bags
  
• Learn basic first aid and CPR techniques
  

7. Electric Shock and Fire Hazards

Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or careless use of space heaters can turn your home into a fire risk.

Electrical injuries not only burn the skin but can also damage deep tissue and nerves, often requiring specialized care from pain management experts.

“Electrical burns are often more serious than they appear,” warns Dr. Sudberg. “They can affect muscles, nerves, and even the heart.”

Prevention Tips:

• Don’t overload electrical outlets
  
• Replace damaged cords and outlets
  
• Keep appliances away from water
  
• Install smoke detectors and test them monthly
  
• Never run cords under rugs or furniture
  

Final Thoughts: Prevention Starts With Awareness

Many household accidents are preventable with simple adjustments and increased awareness. For Dr. Jordan Sudberg, the goal isn’t just to treat pain—but to help people live safer, more informed lives.

“When patients come in with home-related injuries, they’re often surprised by how easily the accident could’ve been avoided,” he shares. “A little prevention can save a lot of pain.”

By identifying common hazards and adopting safe habits, you can drastically reduce your risk—and protect your family from unexpected harm.