Outdated Bathroom Showers and Their Hazards

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that outdated showers can be a hazard for you and your family. According to a CDC study, 370 US citizens are injured in the bathroom daily. It's the second most dangerous room in the house after the kitchen.

68% of bathroom injuries occur in the shower or tub. Most of these injuries are due to falls and slips while showering or bathing. These injuries account for over 1/3rd of the total bathroom-related injuries in the US.

Outdated showers can be especially hazardous since they lack updated safety features. Showers that don't have non-slip surfaces grab bars, or proper drainage can increase the chance of slipping and falling.

What Is an Outdated Shower?

A shower is considered to be outdated when it is more than 10-15 years old or doesn't have any of the following:

● Non-slip surfaces

● Grab bars

● Proper drainage systems

● Rainfall or handheld shower heads

● Anti-scald technology

● Water-Saving Features

Outdated showers may also have outdated plumbing and wiring, which can lead to water damage or electric shock.

If your shower is outdated, it's important to upgrade it as soon as possible. It can help reduce the risk of slips and falls and provide other safety benefits.

Common Injuries in Outdated Showers

Outdated showers result in various injuries and accidents that can be avoided with proper maintenance and adjustments. Many of these injuries are caused by slipping, such as falls due to wet floors and tripping over shower stalls.

In addition, cuts, scrapes, and burns can occur due to the presence of sharp edges or faulty wiring that causes water to become scalding hot.

Here are some common injuries you can get due to falls and slips in outdated showers:

● Head Injuries: When you slip and fall in a shower, you can hit your head on the edge of a stall or the edge of the tub. This can result in cuts, scrapes, bruises, and even concussions.

● Neck and Back Injuries: Falling in a shower can also cause neck and back injuries. Depending on how you fall, the impact of the fall can cause strains, sprains, and other types of injuries to your neck or back.

● Shoulder Injuries: Slipping or tripping in a shower can cause shoulder injuries such as dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and fractures.

● Fractures: Falls can also cause fractures in your bones, including the pelvis, arms, legs, and feet.

● Burns: Water in outdated showers may be too hot, resulting in burns. It is important to check the temperature of your shower regularly to avoid scalding hot water.

● Lacerations: As mentioned earlier, sharp edges in outdated showers can cause cuts and lacerations to your skin. These cuts can be deep and cause serious bleeding. It is important to check for sharp edges or faulty wiring in the shower before using it.

It is essential to maintain your shower regularly and make sure that all of the components are in working order. If you have an outdated shower, you should also consider replacing it with a newer, safer one.

How to Prevent Falls and Slips In a Shower

There are several steps you can take to prevent falls and slips in showers:

● Install non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the shower. These can help provide extra grip and stability for your feet.

● Use a shower chair or bench. These are especially helpful for people with mobility issues or who are at higher risk for falls.

● Install handrails in the shower to provide support and balance when moving around in the shower.

● Keep the shower floor clean and dry. Wipe up any water or soap suds that accumulate on the floor to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

● Use a shower head with good water pressure. It can help to rinse away soap and other contaminants that can make the floor slippery.

● Be careful when getting in and out of the shower. Take your time and use caution when entering and exiting the shower, especially if the floor is wet.

● Consider installing a walk-in shower. It has a low threshold and can be easier to access than traditional showers, reducing the risk of falls and slips.

You should opt for a shower remodel if you have an outdated shower. It will give your bathroom a much needed facelift and increase the value of your home. Remodeling can involve anything from replacing tile to adding a shower surround to installing a new shower head and faucet.