Guest Author - Marji Hajic, OTR/L, CHT

Twas the month before Christmas
And all through the town
Holiday decorations were being
displayed all around

Lights to be hung!
Tinsel galore!
All my boxes and clutter
Strewn across the floor

To the desk chair I flew
Must have been such a sight
As I scrambled on top
To hang Christmas lights

As I stood on my tiptoes
On that rolling desk chair
The chair slipped and I flew!
Should have been more aware

As I was falling
And landing real hard
I realized a better tool
Could be found in the yard

Out I ran in a hurry
Forgot about the clutter
Became tangled in tinsel
(These words I should not mutter!)

Finally got untangled
Only to trip and sprawl
Into all those boxes of ornaments
Out of which I needed to crawl

Had to work my way closer
Over to the shed
The pathway was blocked
There was nowhere to tread

Pushed and pulled those heavy boxes
Out of the way
Twisted and tweaked my back
“Lumbar Sprain” Doc would say

Then what to my wondering
Eyes finally appeared
A ladder with safety labels
But I felt no fear

The spirits had cheered me
And tasted ever so good
I was feeling kind of tipsy
Not being as safe as I should

So, I climbed to the tip
To the very top rung
Carrying all those decorations
That needed to be hung

Had only one more
Seasonal star to be placed
Thought I could just reach it
This job would be aced!

Then I reached too far over
And fell off the ladder
And on the way down
Made such a clatter

Injury statistics are reported
And now I am one
Unfortunately for me
The season is done

In my sad story
A lesson can be learned
To benefit from mistakes
And redemption earned

This holiday season
Do not drink and decorate
And use common sense
Or have the same fate

Be careful this season
Remember safety rules
Have happy holidays
And use the right tools

Be safe, I proclaim
When rising to new heights
Remember ergonomics
Have a healthy Christmas night!



According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8,700 people were treated in emergency departments in 2002 specifically for decoration-related ladder injuries. Don’t become a statistic this year. Follow these tips for a healthy and happy holiday season.

As you hang lights and decorations, use a step-stool rather than furniture for items that are slightly out of reach. Never stand on any furniture that is not stable. Make sure that the stool is locked into the open position. For higher tasks, use a ladder that is in good condition. For every 4 feet that the ladder reaches up, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall. Follow all height and weight restrictions that are posted on the ladder. Do not climb above the maximum height posted. The ladder top should extend 3 feet above the surface you are trying to reach. When climbing the ladder, face it directly. Keep balanced over the middle of the ladder. Do not overextend your reach. Place the legs on a solid and level surface. If the ground is soft or uneven, use a plank of wood to provide stability.

Use proper body mechanics to avoid back pain when lifting boxes. Ask for help when lifting heavier objects. Hold objects close to the body, not at arm’s length. Do not lean forward at the hips when picking up items from low surfaces; rather, squat down, hold the item close, and use the strength of your legs as you stand up to lift the item. Do not twist or turn at the waist. Your toes should always face the surface that you are lifting the object from or placing it on.

Avoid excessive clutter that can cause you to trip. Place electrical cords away from general walking pathways or tape them down. Do not overload electrical circuits. Keep walkways clear of boxes and decorations. Avoid rushing through the holidays. Perform activities requiring the most safety awareness when you are alert and relaxed.