Yearly Archives: 2012

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

BACKOVER ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

A very real danger that exists on a construction site is one that is often overlooked. Everyone knows that falling from great heights or injuries from machinery are common with this type of work. However, many may not know that backover accidents also cause numerous deaths each year on construction sites.

A backover incident often occurs when a vehicle backs over a worker that is walking, standing or kneeling behind the vehicle. A reported 70 workers died from backover accidents in the year 2010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent these horrible accidents.

How do backover accidents occur?

To prevent these incidents, it is important to understand how they occur in the first place. Backover accidents usually happen due to several jobsite factors. For example, the noise from machinery can be so loud those nearby do not hear the backup alarm on a vehicle. Sometimes, accidents occur when workers riding along the outside of a vehicle fall off and into the path of the tires. Drivers of these vehicles also deal with a blind spot, and if workers stay in this blind spot too long, a backover accident can occur. Drivers often have spotters that are there to assist them while backing up a large vehicle. Occasionally, the spotter helping a driver will not see another vehicle and be backed over. In some cases, the reason why a worker was in the path of a vehicle is unknown.

How do construction sites prevent backover incidents?

One way of preventing backover accidents is cameras that work in conjunction with in-vehicle monitors. This allows drivers a clear view of what is behind their vehicles. There are also sonar and radar devices that alert drivers when objects or people are behind them. Better-planned sites will also cut down on these occurrences. For example, if a traffic control plan is implemented, then this will reduce the need for drivers to back up. Perhaps the best resource in preventing this terrible accident from happening is proper training. Most employees are not aware of the blind spot location on a typical work vehicle. For this reason, they will have no idea they are standing in a danger zone. To remedy this problem, proper training for workers is crucial. If they know where the blind spot is on a vehicle, they will be less likely to become part of this accident statistic.  Also, wearing high-visibility vests will help them be seen.

Construction sites are dangerous for numerous reasons. Backover accidents are just one way that workers are injured or killed while trying to do their job. It is important to make workers aware of backover dangers to assure a safe construction site.

Author Bio: Eric Blair writes about construction site and workplace safety equipment from http://www.fallprotectionusa.com/ that prevents unpleasant accidents.

 

General Safety Issues

HOW ACCIDENT RECORDS AND STATISTICS HELP IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY (GUEST POST)

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Written by Georgina Clatworthy

The cost of personal injuries that occur in the workplace is the second largest expense to any business. These costs include insurance premiums, health and safety measures to prevent injury, and payments made to employees that have been injured. For the benefit of company and employee, reducing the number of incidents that occur is always a top priority. 

While there are many ways in which you can improve safety measures around the workplace, the best way to make effective change is to use raw data. Our attorneys Charleston SC based advise that using accident records and statistics from your company, and those in similar industries, will help create a picture of what “really” takes place in the work environment and how to address those concerns.

Why “How It Should Be” And “How It Is” Can Be Very Different

Many businesses are surprised when someone is injured on the job when they believed all the correct safety measures were in place. The truth is, however, that what often makes sense on paper does not apply to the workplace situation. People are in fact only people, and when an event arises that poses a risk, each will react differently. It is nearly impossible to prepare for every contingency, which is why researching work accident data is so important to prevent further accidents.

  • Reviewing accident data: When you review accident data, you will be able to gain insightful knowledge of how the event occurred, even if safety measures were in place. You will be able to read the event from the employee’s perspective. The data provides you with useful information on how to change your safety standards or create additional employee training measures to avoid this type of event from occurring again.
  • Look at other industries: Utilizing information from other industries that are the same or similar to the business in question will also provide significant information. This data will provide an overall look at workplace events in a “real world” manner. This information is invaluable, and will provide the best source of knowledge to create a safe work environment.

Using Accident Records And Statistics Has Proven Very Successful

As more companies take the time to review this type of data, and use it for to their advantage, the overall amount of workplace injuries has decreased. In the last decade, the overall number of claims filed for temporary or permanent disability has dropped in regards to workplace events. This is very encouraging for both employees and businesses.  Employees that feel safe at work are more productive. When productivity rises, the business and the employees benefit in many ways. It is an overall good situation.

In the end, raw data provides the right type of information needed to create a safe workplace. This data may be as simple as showing a need for ergonomic office furniture to reduce lower back pain and carpal tunnel claims, or as important as showing a need for additional heavy equipment training. 

Use of this type of data has already shown a reduction in workplace related claims across every industry, which is beneficial to all parties involved. Reduced injuries and claims strengthen employee confidence and lowers operating expenses. 

Georgina Clatworthy is a legal writer interested in topics relating to personal injury and accidents.  She contributes this article on behalf of Howell and Christmas, a firm of attorneys Charleston SC based.  Workplace injuries can account for a large number of the total injury claims made across the USA every year.  Consulting with an experienced attorney, should an injury occur at work or somewhere else, will ensure you not only receive the damages you deserve but also that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SENIOR SECURITY: SAFE AT HOME (GUEST POST)

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By Maddy Olsen.

Whether you are enjoying your golden years or a family member of a senior, there are things to look out for to increase their safety. Even if you live in a retirement community, some of these will still apply. Seniors tend to be the target of scam artists and hoodlums. They will case a home before they strike and sometimes it doesn’t end well. Being well protected will ease everyone’s mind.

  • Windows

Having double paned windows are great for energy efficiency, but they also have very secure locks on them. However, in the event that one is left unlocked, another safety measure should be taken just to ensure complete home security. It is as simple as having wooden dowels cut to fit in the tracks of all the windows in the house, even the bathroom. Home improvement stores generally carry these and will cut them for you if you ask.

  • Doors

Traditionally, we just lock our front door and rely on us not losing the keys to get us back in. Now, there is a way to unlock the door using the cell phone. The app is easy to navigate and requires an electronic device be put on the deadbolt area of the door. It can be easily installed with a screwdriver and is accessible from anywhere in the world, on most accounts. They can also be programmed to work with multiple phones, so family can unlock it in case of emergency or if the parents ever get locked out.

  • Garage Doors

Any outside entrance to the home is a concern. Garage doors are one of those safety issues that should be addressed. But it is only a garage door, you say? Well, that is true, but it is one of the biggest threats to home security. Having a newer model of garage door opener will reduce the risk of anyone being able to copy the code used to open the door. However, carry the opener in your purse or invest in a keychain opener. If anyone were to get into the car, they would take the opener to be able to get inside the home. When going on a trip, use padlocks to secure the door by the handles near the ground. But even more importantly, always lock the door that leads from your garage into the house. If possible, install a deadbolt to reinforce the door and make it that much harder to get in.

  • Smoke Alarms

This doesn’t deter thieves, but it is a very important part of safety and feeling secure in your home. Fires kill more than 4,000 people every year. That is not including those that die from complications due to the fire. That’s a lot of casualties that might have been prevented. Change the batteries in all smoke detectors each month. Just testing the alarms may not ensure that the batteries will work when there is a need for them to. New fresh batteries will keep them in tip top shape all the time. Practice an escape plan so if there were a fire in the home, the residents will know what to do based on the circumstances. 

Security of the home is so very important and so many of us pay little attention to it. If there are any concerns, address them sooner than later. Ask for help if you need it, but don’t be the victim of a terrible event because your locks and codes are subpar. Your personal safety should be a priority.

Maddy Olsen  blogs on a variety of subjects that are deep topics and can change lives. Writing for Brookdale http://www.brookdaleliving.com/ assisted living is a very rewarding passion she enjoys. Several losses in her family to Alzheimer’s Disease has prompted her write about the topics she has researched or practiced.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

TEN PLUMBING SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

Submitted by Jim Klossner 

Many people are choosing to DIY when repairs need to be done in their home. With the increase in home handymen, or handywomen, comes more risk because non-professional plumbers naturally will not think about some of the safety precautions. It is critical to take safety steps to ensure that you get the job done unscathed, as well as to make sure that the job is done correctly. 

Be Mindful of Electricity

Since plumbing usually does not involve electricity, many people do not think to turn off the electricity. Keep in mind that water and electricity do not mix. This is especially important if you are doing something near a power source. 

Do Not Panic

If something goes wrong, like a pipe bursting, do not panic. You need to take the steps to correct the issue as quickly as possible and panic will prevent this. Take a little time before even starting the task to think about some things that could go wrong and then make a few rough strategies to fix these. 

Make Sure Your Eyes are Protected

When you are cutting into things and have the risk of water spraying everywhere, it is important that your eyes are protected. There is always the risk of things flying at your face and when you are wearing protective goggles you can pretty much eliminate the risk of eye damage. 

Protect Your Ears

Plumbing work can get loud and the ears can become damaged with too much loud noise. Things like power saws and other equipment can become loud and ear damage can occur without you even noticing it.  Wearing earplugs will help protect your hearing.

Protect Your Lungs

When doing plumbing work, you are sure to run into some type of dust and/or chemical fumes. If chemicals are being used, a respirator is something you may want to consider. If you will only run into dust, then a basic face mask is enough to prevent breathing in the dust. 

Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

Using the wrong tools can result in injury. For example, if you need a chisel, use a chisel and not a screwdriver. The screwdriver could slip when you are hammering, resulting in slamming the hammer on your hand. The wrong tools could also damage the thing you are working on, causing more issues and costing you more money. 

Have Emergency Numbers and a Way to Call Them Handy

Accidents happen and you need to be prepared to get help if necessary. Numbers like poison control should be handy, as well as utility company numbers. Keep a phone nearby just in case something happens and you need to call quickly. 

Practice Before Doing

Before you start the actual job, get used to the tools you will need to use so that you are confident in using them. You do not want to just learn that new saw when it is time to get work done as this adds more pressure which can lead to mistakes. 

Protect Your Hands

Chemicals, tools and hot water are all potential hazards to your hands. Be sure to wear gloves that are appropriate to what you might run into. For example, gloves that protect against chemicals generally differ than gloves that can protect hands from hot water. If it also a good idea to wear long pants, long sleeves and shoes to protect all of your skin. 

Know Your Plumbing

It is important to know things like the type of pipes used in your home, where the on/off valves are and where the pipes are behind the walls so that you can quickly access what you need. You also want to be able to quickly get to things if something were to go wrong. 

About the Author: Jim Klossner has been writing about plumbing and HVAC solutions for companies like John J Cahill, Inc. for nearly ten years. When he’s not writing, you can find Jim teaching safety courses at his local community center.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY TIPS FOR RURAL LIVING (GUEST POST)

Living safely when you are your own emergency services 

If you’re a recent transplant to a rural area, you face a new and unfamiliar set of safety considerations. You’re less likely to experience crime, for instance, but you also face longer response times from law enforcement and emergency services. We’ve recently talked about Road Trip Safety (now that you’ll be driving longer distances to get anywhere), but what are some things you can prepare for at home? Here are some things to consider:

1. Understand Warnings

Having a radio on hand is helpful especially in times of severe weather, but occasionally those weather warnings may be hard to interpret. Do some homework and brush up on things like red flag warnings, hurricane and tornado measurements, and the like. Flash flood warnings might be something you need to keep in mind for your particular corner of the world as well. Understanding which of these may apply to you, and how they should affect your emergency plans, could save your life.

2. Invest in technology

Whether you’ve lived rural your whole life or recently converted from being a city slicker, you may pride yourself on leaving some of the unnecessary technologies behind and living a more simple life (or you may have all the latest and greatest gadgets) but it’s important to make sure you have some of the essential bits of technology. Recommended parts of this list would include things like radios, alarms, a generator, sump pumps and motion sensing lights.

Radios (battery operated AND standard) are going to be extremely valuable should the power go out to monitor weather conditions, and a generator will help keep vital electronics functional (fridge, radios, etc.).Alarms and lights are important because while you may be far away from major crime, you’re also far from law enforcement. Sump pumps are vital if your area is susceptible to flooding, and since flood insurance is always at a premium, being able to protect yourself from minor flooding is a must.

1. Know your property

If you own a large parcel of land, have you done a thorough walking tour? Not just a casual stroll, but taking some effort, drawing up a grid, and taking note of anything you find. Mark down steep drops, bodies of water, trees, large rocks, blind spots from the home, and anything else that you might think worthy of note. Knowing your property can help keep you and your family safe from injury or other hazards, as well as help you to fully utilize that land you worked so hard to get.

4. Personal Protection

Gun ownership can be a heated topic, so you can leave that option up to yourself (but either way, understanding gun safety, which should include a class, should be a priority before any firearm is purchased), but there are other things to consider. What types of wildlife live in your area, and are they potentially dangerous? If so, how can you best protect you, your family, pets and livestock? Who are your nearest neighbors, and what are their phone numbers? Should a disaster occur, a medical emergency, fire, or home invasion, these are the people most likely able to help you. Is your property well lit enough to allow you to travel without a flashlight to vital areas in the dark without risking running into any hazards?

5. Have a plan

This is the most important step. An emergency preparedness plan should be one of the first things you check off this list. Use the items in this list, and others that might be more applicable to your area (Google can help here) to make a plan for each item. Where will your family go, how will you contact each other if separated, who to call, and more are things to consider.

Living away from it all can truly be a rich and fulfilling experience. Make sure you protect yourself by being prepared should the worst occur; that way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that whatever arises, you have a way to take care of it.

Katie White is a writer and handywoman from DIY Mother who is passionate about self-reliance and conservation. She takes pride in making her home a more sustainable and comfortable place for her husband and two kids. She lives in Dallas.

Thanks, Katie, and as always, we’d like to remind you to have a survival kit ready if you live in areas prone to thunderstorms or tornadoes.
 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety

LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT PRESENT FOR THAT “HARD-TO-BUY FOR” SOMEONE?

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Look no further, friends, for quality safety products than Texas America Safety Company.

No more shopping in malls, crowded stores, or searching the “net”, when you can catch some useful things that your friends or family will enjoy having.  Giving the gift of safety means you really care. 

For the hard-working lady, we have all kinds of pink protective gear, ranging from pink hardhats to pink headsets.  Who says Mechanix is just for men?  Our pink Mechanix gloves are perfect fits for your favorite girl, to protect those delicate hands!  There are also some pink safety glasses that would complete the look. 

If you know someone who has hobbies, such as woodworking, or yardwork, goggles are a must!  T.A.S.C.O. has all types of goggles that will keep the eyes safe from flying particles, or sawdust.  Goggles are also needed for those who need exceptional eye protection at work. 

For your friends who like to ride bicycles or motorcycles, goggles also come in handy, as well as high visibility vests or high visibility decals that warn motorists to move aside and let them by! 

Anyone who works in manufacturing, construction, or other heavy duty-type work needs a good hardhat.  Ranging from team hardhats, (NCAA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR) to patriotic hardhats, or Western-style hardhats, and, if the company allows them to have their own personal hardhat, this is an excellent way to ensure compliance.  It’s fun to show your personality and team spirit with the just-right selection, at a very sensible price. 

Another great gift is a set of brim LED lights that clip onto a hardhat or baseball cap.  This would be an excellent way to be seen while riding after sunset.  For do-it-yourself tree trimmers, a chainsaw safety kit would be an excellent gift, offering a safe cutting.  (Always keep a first aid kit on standby, just in case!)

You may want to check out our huge selection of safety glasses.  Many styles don’t have the old “safety glass” look – they are stylish , and best of all,  priced lower than most sunglass stores.  The good thing about it is, they not only look cool, but also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. 

A nice pair of leather gloves would be a welcome gift.  We have all types to choose from.

What person couldn’t use a Personal First Aid pouch to keep in their car?  Flashlights are also a must-have for your car.  There are so many things to select that we invite you to check out our website, www.tasco-safety.com.   We have linked some of our suggestions to make your shopping easier.   Place your order early for a timely arrival. 

Last but not least, if you call Texas America Safety Company (1-800-646-5346)  to place an order between now and Christmas, you will receive “Free Shipping”!  Just be sure to mention this to our customer service personnel, so you can get that savings. 

Have a safe and very happy holiday season.

Uncategorized

NOVEMBER NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES

November has whizzed by pretty fast, but it is never too late to share with you all the diseases awarenesses and health observances for the month.  Chances are you know somone or have a family member that may need to know about these resources.  It is our intent to not only promote safety issues to our readers, but health facts, as well.  Please read and find out more about where you can go to search for particular health problems that are observed this month in the United States.

American Diabetes Month – American Diabetes Association – 1-800-342-2383

COPD Awareness Month – American Lung Association – Diabetic Eye Disease Month – Prevent Blindness America – 800-548-8252

Lung Cancer Awareness Month – Lung Cancer Alliance – 202-463-2080

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month – Alzheimer’s Association – 800-272-3900

National Family Caregivers Month – National Family Caregivers Association – 800-896-3650

National Healthy Skin Month – American Academy of Dermatology – 888-462-3376

National Hospice Palliative Care Month – National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – 800-646-6460

National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month – No Stomach for Cancer, Inc. – 608-335-0241

< International Survivors of Suicide Day* -  Nov 17 - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention -212-363-3500 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week - Nov. 18 - 24 International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders -           

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

PREVENTING KNEE PAIN AND INJURIES THIS WINTER (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Rebecca Morris

For many people, news of the first mountain snowstorms of the season brings anticipation of fun-filled hours skiing and snowboarding. For others, there is dread at the thought of blocked drives and slippery walkways. Very few think of winter as a time to be especially aware of the potential for knee injuries. Making plans to avoid pain and suffering during this time of slippery ice and heavy snow should be just as important as waxing skis and snow shovels.

Knee injuries are some of the most common, and potentially devastating, injuries sustained by athletes and those doing strenuous, everyday jobs. This is because our knees support the majority of our body’s weight while bending, flexing, and pivoting. Many people do not consider the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee when deciding if they are fit enough to participate in an activity. When these skeletal structures are weakened by inactivity, or stressed from over-use, the likelihood of injury is greatly increased. Most injuries result in minor pain for short periods of time, but other injuries can cause permanent damage resulting in a lifetime of pain and diminished activity levels. Preventing injuries to these vulnerable ligaments and tendons, as well as other parts of the knee, can be as simple as finding and wearing the proper knee brace.

Protection for Mild Activity Levels

Sleeve style knee braces and supports provide a comfortable, light-weight, and convenient level of protection for those who experience mild pain during sports or other activities. This type of knee brace can help prevent mild strains, sprains, and instabilities of the knee joint. They can easily be worn under all types of clothing. This makes them an ideal form of protection against injuries resulting from slipping on iced and snowy ground.

Protection for Moderate Activity Levels

Many of the favorite activities of fall and winter involve just as much stress and strain on the knees as summer sports. Hinged knee braces can be used to provide an extra level of support while hiking the mountains in search of beautiful fall leaves, or cross-country skiing to find that perfect holiday tree to decorate. These knee braces can be made from metal, alloys, or rigid plastic and provide much better support for those who spend more time navigating the ice and snow. Though not as easily worn as a sleeve style knee brace, they are light-weight and adjustable to fit over or under athletic clothing. Another option is a knee brace that combines a sleeve type support with the extra stability of a brace.

Protection for High Activity Levels

Everyone knows ice hockey can be just as much of a full contact sport as football. Many people don’t realize that downhill skiing and snowboarding can be just as stressful to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee. For these types of activities, more support is needed than that supplied by a standard knee brace. Knee braces that include rigid crossbars above and below the knee are widely recommended to prevent potentially devastating injuries resulting from these highly stressful activities.

Finding the Appropriate Knee Brace for Your Level of Activity

As the number of people involved in sports and other outdoor activities increases, the demand for protective equipment also increases. There are many brands of high-quality knee braces and supports available without a doctor’s order. Searching for sports bracing and therapy experts should provide a variety of styles able to meet the needs of anyone interested in preventing knee injuries. 

Author Bio

Rebecca Morris has found BetterBraces.com the best place online to find knee braces and hinged knee braces for sports injuries. She recommends always consulting your physician and fitness professionals to discuss your options for staying fit and recovering from injuries.

Thanks, Rebecca for sending an article that applies to so many people who suffer knee problems.  for those who work on their knees, carpenters, gardeners, and other vocations, knee pads can also help allieviate knee pain, and hopefully prevent further injury to the knee. Pat

 

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

Five Ways Technology is Messing Up Our Sleep (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Hannah Howard –

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is important, but just how important is it? Well, according to Dr. David F. Dinges of the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the first signs of lack of sleep are irritability and moodiness. If the person continues to not get enough rest, they will eventually start to experience apathy, slowed speech and flattened emotional responses, impaired memory, and an inability to be novel or to multitask. If you still do not take notice and get some shut eye, then what comes next can be physically disastrous. As you near the point of falling asleep on your feet, you will experience micro-sleeps of approximately 5 to 10 seconds. Those seconds mean that you can nod off while driving or doing other dangerous activities and drastically increase the risk of getting into an accident and harming yourself or another person.
At this point, you might be wondering what the correlation is between a lack of sleep and technology. Did you know that staring at a brightly lit screen or performing vigorous mental or physical activities an hour before trying to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or enter REM sleep, which is the kind of deep sleep that your body needs? Also, your body needs uninterrupted sleep to be fully rested and refreshed. Recently, a poll taken by the National Sleep Foundation found the following uses of technology that can impact sleep:
1. Television

Watching television an hour or less before bedtime means that not only are you staring at a brightly lit screen, but chances are you are watching something that gets your adrenaline pumping, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here are the people guilty of this:

  • 67% of Baby Boomers (age 46-64)
  • 63% of Generation X (age 30-45)
  • 49% of Generation Y (age 19-29)
  • 50% Generation Z (age 13-18)

2. Computer

Playing games, reading emails, and even doing work on your laptop, desktop, or iPad is a recipe for sleeplessness. If you have to read on your electronic device then try turning the screen down as low as possible to reduce backlight exposure. Darkness signals to your brain that it is time to wind down.

  • 61% of people use a computer an hour before bed at least a few nights a week
  • 47% of Generation Y and 55% of Generation Z use the computer every night

3. Video Games

Playing a video game is a great way to have fun, but not such a great way to get a good night’s sleep. Who plays games just before bed? You might be surprised:

  • 12% of Baby Boomers
  • 15% of Generation X
  • 36% of Generation Y

4. Cell Phone

We all love to text our friends and family good night, but doing so right before bed time means more time spent staring at a tiny, glowing screen. Who is guilty of this sleep faux pas?

  • Only 5% of Baby Boomers
  • 15% of Generation X
  • 42% of Generation Y
  • 56% of Generation Z

5. Waked Up

Like I said before, getting a full night’s rest without interruption is the key to waking up rested and refreshed. However, many of us are waked up several times a week by phone calls, texts, email, or notifications. I think it is time to put the phone on silent for these groups:

  • 20% of Generation Y and 18% of Generation Z are waked at least a few nights a week

These statistics shed new light on our sleeping and technology habits. What bad habits are you guilty of that mess with your sleep? Are you getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night, uninterrupted? What can you change to help your body get the sleep it needs?

Thank you, Hannah, for pointing out many of the ways that we could simplify our lives and get our needed rest by following your advice. Pat

 

General Safety Issues

TEN COMMON REASONS WHY SIBLINGS FIGHT (GUEST POST)

Ten Common Reasons Why Teen Siblings Fight

by Meghan Walker of babysitting.net

eNannySource has been helping families find quality caregivers for over 15 years. They have thousands of jobs and active caregivers daily. In addition they offer the most thorough background checks in the industry. 

If you have teenagers, then you know that there are a lot of ups and downs with raising them.  They are pushing the boundaries and getting ready to leave the nest.  They are often rebellious and will fight with you and their siblings over the silliest of things.  But in a time when you think that your teenagers should be getting closer, why do they still have such big fights?  Check out 10 common reasons why teen siblings fight.

  1. Inequality: Often sibling fights start because one sibling doesn’t feel they are being treated fairly by the parents.  The oldest usually gets more privileges and can stay out later than the younger.  Maybe the oldest is involved in sports while the youngest isn’t so they feel like the world revolves around the schedule of the older child.
  2. Jealousy: One sibling might be jealous of what the other sibling has.  Maybe one teen has a phone and the other doesn’t have one yet.  Or maybe one got a car when they turned 16 and the other didn’t because the car was meant to be shared between the teens when the time came that they could both drive.
  3. Hormones: Everyone knows that teenagers have raging hormones and not just the kind that are aimed at members of the opposite sex.  Hormone imbalances can cause irritability and just make them short tempered so any perceived slight will set them off on a rant.
  4. Unmet expectations: Sometimes teens think that they have each other’s back, but then the sibling will rat the other one out if they broke the rules.  Expectations are a big deal, but are often assumed and teens need to realize that no one reads minds and that if they don’t express their expectations then theirs sibling won’t be able to meet them.
  5. Frustration: Being a teen is frustrating enough.  School is harder and more stressful.  Members of the opposite sex enter into the picture and cause their own drama.  Teens can be frustrated with each other for nothing more than eating something too loudly.  If things don’t go their way in one aspect of their world they may take it out on their sibling.
  6. Feeling of betrayal: This is more likely to happen when there are teens of the same sex in the household.  One sister dates the boy the other sister liked and now she feels betrayed by her own sister.  Or one brother gets into an argument with another guy and his brother sides with the other guy instead of him.  Siblings feel like even though they fight that they should stick together on the important stuff and that just doesn’t always happen.
  7. Competition: Who’s the biggest, skinniest, prettiest, fastest or most talented?  Siblings will compete with each other and results of the competitions most always cause a fight.  The other person had to have cheated or somehow rigged the contest.  Maybe it’s not a looks contest, but a contest to see who’s smartest?  Who gets better grades?
  8. Need for space: Teenagers seem to do a lot of deep thinking and they need their space.  When a younger teen interrupts an older sibling’s private time or invades their space there is likely going to be fireworks and not the good kind.  This also includes sitting too closely to them in the car.  The whole fight about who’s touching whom will ensue and you’ll want to pull your hair out, but keep in mind this too shall pass.  
  9. Touching or taking their stuff: Another thing that teenagers are is possessive of their things.  They don’t want their sibling to use, touch or take anything that belongs to them.  If their sister borrowed their favorite shirt without asking and now it’s dirty and they wanted to wear it to the game there’s going to be a lot of fighting.  As soon as kids get something they consider to be their own, these kinds of fights start and it doesn’t stop when they become older teenagers.  It just gets louder and the stuff gets more expensive.

Insults flying: Sometimes teenagers just fight because they can.  Perhaps they get bored and just feel like picking a fight, but it’s often just stupid stuff that they fight about.  Siblings know how to push each other’s buttons and they will do it just to get a rise out of their sibling.  There’s just something about irritating each other that’s part of the growing up process.

Hope these tips will help us all understand that kids fighting is a very common part of life. It’s up the parents to handle them in the best way possible. Cases like this may really show the need for keeping a first aid kit!