Realolman, I think the somewhat terse nature of some replies to questions such as these are in the nature of defensiveness; if questioned, I'd defend my right to install the receptacle as described in the OP. The user at this moment can't see what's behind the walls, and can't know the full story behind the choice to locate the receptacle where it is.
So, if some of the responses appear to be
at the original poster's expense, it shouldn't be taken that way, and I believe everyone who replied so far would agree.
Here's a little story: When I was persuing my illustrious burger-flipping career, I needed to take a 3-gallon pot of chili off the stove in back, pour it into two 1.5 gallon pans, and carry them up front to serve. I slipped when I was pulling the chili pot out of the water pot below it (the steam burned my wrists, causing me to lose concentration). I managed to spill most of the chili onto the stove, the wall and the floor.
The receptacle was located beside the stove (the stove was in a corner). I nailed it good, and there was a bright flash and the breaker kicked. The receptacle had to be replaced.
My point is, accidents are not controlled events that go off as planned; there is no planning involved. If the dryer plug were located off to one side as is customary, there's no guarantee it won't still be involved in an accident with the washing machine. There's no guarantee that the cord to the washer won't be involved either.
Since the fluids are usually contained inside the appliances, there are very few accidents involving the scenario we're all trying to picture. In the chili incident, all the fluids were out there and manipulated many times on a daily basis, and it was still a pretty unlucky shot on my part to hit the receptacle. In the washer/dryer situation, they are rarely disconnected, unplugged, or similarly fiddled with.
So, I agree with the others who say, sleep well, you probably have nothing to worry about. Your sister will likely get hit by a bus before these objects hurt her.
