Avoid `Taking a Tumble' During Holiday Decorating

Hanging holiday lights might seem like a simple chore, something homeowners do without pause year after year. Unfortunately, many of those people end up spending their

holidays in a hospital instead of in their own homes.

Hanging lights from the roof can be dangerous and precautions should be taken even by the most seasoned roof decorator. Dozens of patients are seen by orthopedic surgeons at The Methodist Hospital every holiday season with injuries to their backs, necks, arms and legs caused by falls from roofs and ladders. Injuries can range from spine and pelvis fractures to major joint dislocations to severe leg and arm fractures with large wounds and exposed bones.

"Injuries from falling two stories off a roof or ladder can be as devastating as an injury a person gets in a high speed motor vehicle accident," said Dr. Ronald Lindsey, chief of the orthopedic service at The Methodist Hospital and professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Lindsey said homeowners who are not experienced with working with ladders rarely consider the risks of climbing several stories. If a person falls from a height, they can suffer serious injury and risk permanent disability. These falls, especially when they occur from three stories and higher can even be fatal, he said.

Here are some precautions to take to ensure a safe light hanging season:

* Get someone to help by steadying the ladder and spotting you.

* Do not drink alcoholic beverages before climbing a ladder.

* Do not use ladders in areas that would be especially hazardous if you did fall.

* Wear knee and elbow pads and a helmet if possible.

* Limit the height that you place ornaments and lights no higher than the second story.

* Do not wear a tool belt while hanging lights - this could be hazardous in case of a fall.

* Do not hang tools or lights around your neck while standing on top of a ladder.

* When in doubt, do not hesitate to hire professional help.

Dr. Lindsey encourages homeowners to use common sense. A simple injury to the arm could take three months to heal while an injury to a leg could take as long as six months.

"I see too many people who, although well-intentioned, suddenly destroy the holiday season for themselves and their families due to carelessness," Dr. Lindsey said.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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