Operation safety: Tips to make every bath a safe bath

Does your bathroom need a makeover? Go beyond functional and stylish updates and consider upgrades that add an element of safety, too. A few affordable, small updates can dramatically affect your bathroom's level of safety while still providing a look you’ll love.

Leave a little light on

Low lighting levels can reduce visibility and be a major contributor to trips, bumps and bruises. Adding nightlights is a quick and easy way to safely light bathrooms (and hallways) to increase safety around the house at night – especially for those midnight trips to the bathroom. Another idea is to install illuminated light switches for easy visibility in a dark room. These small steps can make a big impact when it comes to preventing trips and falls during the night.

Have a seat

Navigating around the shower can be a slippery undertaking, especially for women who often perform a balancing act while shaving. That’s likely why women are 72 percent more likely to be injured in the bath or shower than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One way to add both safety and comfort to the shower space is by incorporating a bath or shower chair. The stylishly designed Fold-Down Teak Shower Seat from Moen, now available in an Old World Bronze finish, features a unique wall-mount design for a comfortable seat and easily folds up to a thin, compact profile when not in use. Add a handheld shower to increase functionality while seated and help prevent falls in the bath.

Cool it down

Accidental burns from water are more common than you think. When tap water reaches 140 degrees, it can cause a third degree burn in just five seconds, and according to the Burn Foundation, 500,000 scald burns occur in the U.S. annually. Prevent accidental scalding at the source by setting the water heater at a maximum of 120 degrees. After you’ve set the new temperature, be sure to update your showers with pressure-balancing valves that maintain water temperature to eliminate “shower shock,” which is the sudden fluctuation in temperature that can cause burns.

Style you can hold on to

Maneuvering in and out of the bathtub safely is one of the most challenging, and potentially dangerous, bathroom activities, according to Moen research. And to make matters worse, many people rely on items not designed to support body weight, such as towel bars, built-in soap dishes and shower doors, to assist in movements. Moen has combined the safety benefits of grab bars with three essential bath accessories – paper holders, shelves and towel bars. Integrating a Shelf with Grab Bar into the shower is a great way to add extra stability and it holds necessary items like shampoo and conditioner, keeping them within easy reach. Visit www.moen.com for more information.

Keep these tips top of mind as you update your bath to help ensure everyone has an enjoyable – but more importantly – safe experience in the bathroom.