The International Door Association, along with the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association, designated June as National Garage Door Safety Month. It is estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 injuries result from garage door accidents every year. Because of the sheer size and weight of overhead garage doors, it is listed as one of the most dangerous parts of a home. Keep reading to learn about the most common garage door injuries and what you can do to prevent them!
Common Garage Door Injuries
Injury: Fingers Getting Pinched
There are quite a few different ways to pinch your fingers in a garage door while it is opening and closing. Whether your fingers are compressed between door sections, get pinched in the door tracks, or are crushed under the weight of the door, injuries can be substantial. Even when these injuries don’t result in severe damage, they tend to cause pain.
How to Prevent:
Step away from the garage door when it is opening and closing. Do not let children hang on or play near your garage door. Keep hands and feet away from garage doors in motion or those that are being repaired.
Injury: Garage Door Lowers onto Someone
This common injury occurs less frequently since the introduction of garage door sensors. The sensors detect objects, or people, in the path of the door. Instead of allowing the door to collide, they stop the door or reverse its movement. These injuries tend to happen when there is a malfunction in the sensor, the garage door is old and does not have a sensor, or if there is a broken component.
How to Prevent:
The easiest way to prevent a garage door from lowering onto someone is to be vigilant of anyone in the vicinity of the door before opening or closing it. Educate the children in your home about garage door safety. Keep remote controls out of the reach of children. Do periodic checks (monthly) to make sure every part of your garage door system is operable, and schedule an annual maintenance check and tune-up with a professional.
Injury: Getting Stuck in the Garage
You may not consider getting locked in the garage to be an injury. However, it can lead to just that. Garage doors require the function of many moving parts to operate properly. If any part is damaged or broken, the entire system fails. Springs are the most common garage door part to become a problem. They rust over time, crack, or loosen. Any of these problems can result in sudden door failure.
How to Prevent:
Have your garage door springs inspected regularly and repaired when necessary. Always consult with a professional garage door technician before attempting any spring maintenance.
For more information about garage door safety, repair, and maintenance, visit our website.
During the entire month of June, Joe Wilde Company’s social media accounts will feature more garage door safety tips. Contact us to schedule your annual maintenance check-up to keep your door functioning properly all year long.