Television, newspaper, and the internet today are all filled with reports on how toddlers lose the tip of their finger or sick adults unintentionally jam their fingers in the door, all because of abruptly slamming doors. Despite proper supervision and care, such incidents are bound to happen. These are avoidable injuries, but only when suitable protective measures are installed in the premises to prevent such incidents from arising in the first place.
What Happens When You Pinch Your Finger In The Door?
Door finger injuries are often traumatic and crippling for both kids and adults alike. It is rare that someone may be at fault when such an accident takes place.
But once they trap their finger in the door – either hinge side or knob side – it leads to excruciating pain, immediate home care, medical assistance, surgeries, follow up visits, routine disruption, and legal liabilities. In critical cases, amputation is the only solution.
Every year, thousands of door associated injuries take place, and each one requires emergency room treatment. Kids, particularly the age of four or less, suffer the most. Ultimately, such impairments turn out with even deeper wounds and lead to amputation. Cutting off the fingertip is especially troubling as it prevents one from carrying out even everyday activities for a few weeks or possibly months. This also results in the loss of almost 30% hand strength.
How Can You Save Your Fingers From Door Related Risks?
Like several other everyday hazards that kids and adults may face, door entrapment is also one of them. Fortunately, door injuries are preventable.
Automatic door closers slow the speed of shutting doors but are mostly suitable for preventing knob side door injuries. As a high risk or just any door slams, most pressure is exerted on the hinge side, which is the area most finger injuries arise. What can you do? Is there a budgeted solution? Yes, a door finger protector is an answer!
These low-priced, yet effective products avert the risk of injuries and claims. Door hinge finger protector is amongst those easy to install, affordable, and secure devices most manufacturers offer today. These essentially work to block contact with the hinge side opening and remove the risk of critical finger injures. You get these in different styles, shapes, brands, and technologies. Choosing the one that suits the aesthetics, needs, and budget must be your priority!
What Other Protective Measures Can You Use?
In addition to hinge protectors, you may install door stoppers to prevent doors from slamming unexpectedly. These serve to avert both hinge and knob side injuries. For kids, you can set up visual cues, like painting a cross on the risky areas, so they are always reminded to stay cautious. This would guarantee all-round protection for everyone using the door.
The Bottom Line
We always encourage home and facility owners to consider setting up hinge guards on every door. These are inexpensive, serve their purpose efficiently, and even save authorities from legal liabilities/ lawsuits. The door’s pressure can be dangerous for your fragile fingers – you as a home or facility owner must be responsible for your and everyone’s safety in the property. A minute device such as a hinge guard can solve the problem. So why delay, exercise precaution, and make the safe much safer and comfortable for you and everyone around.