For many Florida residents, Labor Day celebrations are bittersweet. Labor Day may mark the end of the easy days of summer, but it also ushers in a brand new season and school year.
Whether you’re feeling excited or wistful about the end of summer, we hope you take Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to relax and celebrate with your friends and family. But remember—as with any major holiday, Labor Day does come with its share of safety risks and dangers. Make sure your holiday weekend is fun and free of accident and injury by following these six important tips.
National Safety Council reports, there are hundreds of auto accident fatalities over Labor Day weekend every year. If you plan on spending some time on the road, be sure to do so with extra caution, taking care to avoid cellphone use and observe speed limits. Buckle up, and ensure your passengers do the same. You should also consider keeping an emergency supply kit in your trunk, complete with jumper wires, tire gauge, tool kit, flashlight, and emergency stop sign.
Drinking safety. For many Florida residents, a Labor Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without a couple of frosty beers. However, it’s important to be aware of your limits and remember that drinking can make you more vulnerable to a number of dangers. If you choose to drink during Labor Day celebrations, be sure to do so responsibly by pacing your consumption and hydrating with water between drinks. And of course, do not get behind the wheel after drinking—instead, secure an alternate method to get home, such as a taxi, rideshare, or ride from a designated sober driver.
Grilling safety. If you plan on grilling or barbecuing this Labor Day, keep the grill a good distance away from houses, trees, and flammable objects. Keep a close eye on children and pets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, and never add starter flued after igniting the coals. Use grilling tools and utensils with long handles, and have a spray bottle on hand to douse flare-ups.
Swimming safety. Whether you are swimming in a backyard pool or natural waterway, it’s important to remain vigilant to prevent drownings. In the water, keep children within arm’s length of you at all times, and never leave a child alone in or near the water. Always enter the water feet first, and obey pool rules or posted signs.
Boating safety. For many Florida residents, Labor Day weekend is a wonderful chance to make use of our many waterways by going boating. Remember never to go boating alone, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids. When boating, make sure you know how to operate the vessel safely and familiarize yourself with boating laws. Ensure everyone onboard is outfitted with a proper lifejacket.
Firework safety. The National Safety Council reminds us that even small firecrackers and sparklers have the potential to cause serious burns, injuries, and property damage. If you plan on sending off the summer with fireworks, be sure to light them in an open outdoor area away from party guests, homes, and flammable objects. Never allow kids to handle fireworks, and discourage running and horseplay when fireworks are being set off.
You can greatly reduce the chances of suffering accident and injury this Labor Day with smart planning and the right precautions. However, if you or a loved one is injured in an accident this Labor Day due to the recklessness or negligence of another, talk to a personal injury attorney. Your attorney may be able to help you hold the party responsible through a personal injury claim, and work to get you compensation for medical bills lost wages, and other costs related to recovery.
About the Author:A partner at Lawlor, White & Murphey and a distinguished personal injury lawyer, Ben Murphey tries complex disputes that include civil appeals, maritime and admiralty claims, wrongful death, and labor disputes. Mr. Murphey has been recognized for his excellence in the area of personal injury litigation by being rewarded with a 10/10 Avvo Rating and named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for the last four consecutive years (2011-2014). Mr. Murphey regularly tries cases in state and federal courts around the country, being admitted to practice before all Florida courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.