After spending years treating gruesome injuries in the emergency room, nurse Natalie Beeson has developed a personal list of everyday things she refuses to do.
At just 26 years old, the Florida-based nurse has seen it all—deep lacerations, broken bones, and even life-threatening accidents—many of which could have been easily avoided.
From avoiding glass coffee tables to being extra cautious with kitchen tools, Beeson is using her experience to help others stay safe.
Her insights have sparked discussions online, with many people sharing their own safety precautions.
The Hidden Dangers of Glass Coffee Tables
One of the most common injury culprits Beeson encounters in the ER? Glass coffee tables.
She refuses to own one, and for good reason.
A study published in the American Journal of Surgery in 2020 found that over 2.5 million glass table injuries occur in the U.S. each year.
Many of these accidents involve children under seven or young adults in their early 20s, often resulting in severe cuts to the arms, shoulders, and forehead.
Some injuries are minor, but others lead to significant blood loss, organ damage, or even death.
Glass may be stylish, but for Beeson, the risk simply isn’t worth it.
The Right Way to Load Knives in the Dishwasher
Another habit Beeson has completely sworn off? Placing knives in the dishwasher with the blade facing up.
It may seem like a small detail, but this simple mistake can lead to serious injuries.
Grabbing the sharp edge instead of the handle can result in deep cuts, and worse, if someone accidentally falls onto an upward-facing blade, the consequences could be devastating.
While no official statistics exist on dishwasher-related knife injuries, most safety experts agree that knives should always be placed blade-down.
Emilio Gonzalez, a safety tester at Consumer Reports, reinforces this, advising that spoons and forks should face up, while knives should always face down.
Why You Should Be Careful with a Mandoline Slicer
Mandoline slicers make cutting vegetables quick and easy, but Beeson has seen too many ER visits caused by this kitchen gadget.
The razor-sharp blade can cause deep lacerations, leading to severe bleeding, swelling, and even permanent nerve damage.
Each year, approximately 350,000 Americans end up in the emergency room due to blade-related injuries.
Experts recommend using cut-resistant gloves and choosing mandolines with built-in safety features like hand guards to minimize risk.
Viral TikTok Sparks Safety Conversations
Beeson’s safety tips gained widespread attention after she shared them on TikTok.
Her video quickly went viral, with thousands of people chiming in with their own personal safety rules.
One user commented, “I have had fights over making sure knives are always placed blade-down in the dishwasher. So validating to hear this!”
Another person added, “I will never understand owning a glass coffee table.”
Others shared their own workplace-inspired safety precautions.
A former EMS worker wrote, “After years in emergency services, I don’t let my kids jump on trampolines or ride ATVs anymore. The injuries I’ve seen are just not worth it.”
Other Everyday Risks Beeson Avoids
Beeson’s safety list extends beyond the home.
Here are a few more things she refuses to do:
1. Riding a Onewheel or a Golf Cart
A self-balancing electric skateboard, the Onewheel might look fun, but it comes with serious risks.
Falls from these devices can cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries.
In fact, all Onewheel models were recalled in 2023 after reports of multiple deaths from head trauma.
Similarly, golf carts—often seen as harmless recreational vehicles—are responsible for roughly 15,000 injuries in the U.S. each year, often due to reckless driving or tipping over.
2. Standing Too Close to Someone Fishing
For Beeson, standing near someone casting a fishing line is a nightmare scenario.
Fishhooks frequently end up lodged in people’s faces, scalps, fingers, or even eyes.
In some cases, they can puncture arteries or airways, turning a fun fishing trip into an emergency.
Medical professionals advise against removing embedded hooks yourself—if you get hooked, call 911 immediately.
3. Eating Raw Oysters
Beeson also refuses to eat oysters, citing the high risk of foodborne illnesses.
Oysters can carry harmful bacteria, including Vibrio, which causes vibriosis—a serious infection that leads to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever.
According to the CDC, Vibrio infections affect 80,000 Americans annually, with over 52,000 cases linked to contaminated seafood.
Norovirus, another common culprit found in raw oysters, is notorious for causing severe stomach illnesses.
While symptoms usually resolve within a few days, norovirus outbreaks spread rapidly, affecting people of all ages.
Final Thoughts
Beeson’s experiences in the ER have shaped the way she lives her life, making her extra cautious about everyday risks.
While some may see her precautions as overly cautious, her firsthand knowledge of preventable injuries makes a compelling case for being more mindful of everyday hazards.
Her viral safety list has encouraged many to reconsider their habits and take small steps to prevent accidents—because sometimes, avoiding an ER visit is as simple as placing a knife the right way in the dishwasher or choosing a wooden coffee table over glass.