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Your chances of serious injury or even death while caving can be greatly reduced by being aware of the dangers involved, by having the adequate knowledge and equipment and techniques, and by cultivating good caving sense.
Statistically, caving accidents are mostly attributed to poor judgment, little or no caving experience, or falls. The most common causes of caving accidents include falling, being struck by falling objects, and hypothermia.
Falling: To reduce the risk of falling, one should avoid jumping and uncontrolled sliding down slopes, wear proper footwear, check and discard any faulty or worn vertical equipment, and obtain proper training.
Falling Objects: Accidents caused by falling objects are best avoided by always wearing a helmet, stay clear of the base of drops and climbs, and securing all items of equipment so that they will not drop on cavers below.
Hypothermia: The temperature of the body core is about 98 degree Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops more than a few degrees, the body can no longer function properly. Always carry extra clothing or something that can protect you from the cold.
Other Hazards: Not all caving problems involve injuries. A few people do get lost in caves, become stuck, or are unable to climb up a ledge or rope to get out of the cave. Exhaustion and a lack of light (or light failure) my cause someone to be come lost who might otherwise have found their way out of the cave.