Home Accident Statistics (2023)

There are millions of accidents in U.S. homes every year. From poisoning, falling, choking, and more, the number of injuries and fatalities add up. Here, we will take a deeper look at home accidents. For more real estate-related facts and figures, be sure to check out our real estate statistics article.

• How Many People Are Injured in Home Accidents?
• How Many People Die in Home Accidents?
• What Are the Leading Causes of Home Injury-Related Deaths?
• Home Accident Death Rates
• Home Accident Deaths by Age Group
• Preventing Home Accidents

Key Home Accident Stats

• In 2021 there were an estimated 128,200 preventable home injury-related deaths in the U.S.

• There were 35.9 million medically consulted injuries from preventable home accidents in 2021.
• 78% of all preventable injury-related deaths happen in homes.
• The leading causes of home injury-related deaths are poisoning (65%) and falls (23%).

How Many People Are Injured in Home Accidents?

There are millions of medically consulted home accident injuries every year in the U.S.

• There were 35.9 million medically consulted injuries from home accidents in 2021.
• The total cost of injuries amounted to $4.2 trillion in the U.S. in 2019 (CDC).

How Many People Die in Home Accidents?

Unfortunately, some home accidents result in death. According to the National Safety Council, preventable home injury-related deaths claim a significant number of lives every year.

• In 2021 there were an estimated 128,200 preventable home injury-related deaths in the U.S.
• There were 38.6 home injury-related deaths per 100,000 people in 2021.
• 76% of all preventable injury-related deaths occur in homes.
• Accidental injuries resulted in more potential years of life lost than any other cause of death in 2020.
• Only 25% of the 1.4 million fires in 2020 were house fires, but they accounted for 74% of fire-related deaths.

What Are the Leading Causes of Home Injury-Related Deaths?

Here are the top causes of accidental home-related injury deaths:

• Poisoning (65%)
• Falls (23%)
• Fires, flames, and smoke (2%)
• Choking (2%)
• Mechanical suffocation (1%)
• Drowning (1%)
• Natural heat and cold (1%)
• Firearms (< 1%)
• All other (5%)

Poisoning and falls make up the vast majority of home injury-related deaths.

Home Accident Death Rates

According to data from the National Safety Council, the home accident death rate (per 100,000 population) has steadily increased over time. The increased death rate is largely due to increases in unintentional poisonings and falls.

Home Accident Deaths by Age Group

Home accident death rates vary by age group. For every 100,000 people, 38.6 home injury-related deaths occur on average across all ages. Older age groups are more prone to fatal accidents.

• The death rate for those 75 and older from home accidents is 2.5x higher than any other age group.
• Home accident deaths are least likely between the ages of 5 and 14.
• Children ages 0 to 4 are nearly 9x more likely to die in a home accident compared to kids ages 5 to 14.

All age groups under 24 years old were less likely to die from home accidents than people in older age groups.

Preventing Home Accidents

1. Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial for early detection of fires and harmful gas leaks. Install them on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed to ensure they are functioning properly.
2. Keep pathways clear and well-lit: cluttered pathways can increase the risk of tripping and falling. Keep floors clear of toys, shoes, and other objects that may obstruct walkways. Additionally, ensure that staircases and hallways are well-lit to prevent accidents during nighttime navigation.
3. Secure rugs and loose carpets: Loose rugs and carpets are common culprits of trips and falls. Use double-sided tape or non-slip pads to secure rugs to the floor, preventing them from sliding or bunching up.
4. Install handrails and grab bars: Handrails and grab bars provide essential support and stability, especially in areas like staircases and bathrooms. Install them in these locations to assist with balance and prevent falls.
5. Store hazardous materials safely: Keep hazardous materials, such as cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects, out of the reach of children. Store them in locked cabinets or high shelves to prevent accidental ingestion or injuries.
6. Practice kitchen safety: The kitchen can be a hotspot for accidents. Use caution when handling sharp objects, turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills, and never leave cooking unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it in case of a kitchen fire.
7. Install window guards and safety gates: If you have young children, install window guards to prevent falls from open windows. Safety gates can also be used to block access to stairs or other hazardous areas, reducing the risk of accidents.
8. Regularly inspect electrical cords and outlets: Check electrical cords for signs of fraying or damage, and replace them if necessary. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances or electronics, as this can lead to electrical fires. Consider using surge protectors to safeguard valuable devices.
9. Educate family members on safety measures: Teach your family members, including children, about home safety. Emphasize the importance of not playing with electrical outlets, not touching hot surfaces, and knowing emergency contact numbers. Encourage open communication about safety concerns and make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Examining home accident statistics sheds light on the importance of safety measures within our living spaces. With over 100,000 deaths and millions of injuries every year, it is crucial to educate ourselves about the potential hazards present in our homes and to prioritize safety in our day-to-day routines.

Ultimately, our homes should be places of comfort, security, and peace. By being vigilant, responsible, and proactive, we can reduce the occurrence of home accidents and create a safe haven for ourselves and our families.

Sources

National Safety Council

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention