We use them every day at work, home and most locations that we visit. Most of us don’t give a second thought to opening or closing a door because it’s part of our daily routine. Doors are not as benign as they look, in fact each year thousands of door accidents take place. Some of our USA sites have experienced injuries from doors as well.

Hazards associated with door use include:

• Pinch points – If you have ever experienced your finger being slammed by a door you will immediately remember the pain associated with a smashed finger. Take time when closing doors to make sure your body is clear of all pinch points.
• Unsecure doors – If a door is not secured it can immediately become a hazard. Gravity can cause a vertical door to slam shut and air pressure/wind can cause a hinged door to uncontrollably open or close.
• Powered doors – If the door is powered by some type of motor it may close the door in specific speed, but dangers still exist. Keeping all body parts free form pinch points which include not trying to exit through a door while it’s closing.
• Locked doors – Does the door have a padlock from the outside with no other exit path? If so, what precautions are in place to prevent someone from being trapped? Should that door really have a padlock?
• Unlocked doors- In our industry many doors are required to be locked for operational and security measures. Using the push/pull method after entry is necessary to verify a door is properly secured.
• Fire doors – All fire doors are required to stay closed when not being used to prevent spreading of a fire in a building.
• Solid doors (no window) – Doors with no windows have the potential for more injuries. Someone on the other side is unaware that the door may open with no advance warning and put them in harm’s way.

These are only some of the hazards associated with door use. The next time you open a door think about it! Are my hands clear? Do I have complete control over the door? Is someone on the other side?

Normally we don’t give much thought to a door and how we use it. But who wants to be normal, when we can be safe.