Cornell researchers asked older adults and design professionals specializing in design for older people to estimate the risk of injury associated with eighteen household items. Their ratings were then compared with the CPSC annual home injury rates shown in Table 1. From this comparison, the accuracy of the participants' risk perception was assessed and the riskiness of certain products and architectural features was identified as being over- or underestimated. Designers and older people were equally unable accurately to judge the riskiness of residential products and architectural features. Both groups ranked doors twelfth.
People often get their fingers, hands, or feet caught or slammed in a door.
Toilet-related injuries were also underestimated, especially by older adults. Most toilet-related injuries occur when one falls off the toilet or loses one's balance while standing and falls against the toilet. Many injuries involving porches or balconies result from slips on wet or icy surfaces. Sink-related injuries are also underestimated by both older people and design professionals. People often hit the sink while falling or slipping.