Twelve Deaths From Injury In NZ Homes Every Week

Embargoed until 12 noon on Monday 30 August
MEDIA RELEASE
30 August 2010

Twelve Deaths From Injury In NZ Homes Every Week

The number of people dying as a result of accidents in the home is continuing to increase and now stands at 12 deaths per week, according to data released today by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

The home injury statistics, released as part of Safety NZ Week, show that 621 New Zealanders lost their lives as a result of an accident at home in 2009. That was 17 more deaths than in 2008, despite an overall decrease in home injury numbers.

There were a total of 632,920 injuries in the home last year, down from 664,334 in 2008. The most common cause was slips, trips and falls, which accounted for 41 per cent of ACC home injury claims last year.

ACC General Manager of Injury Prevention, Keith McLea, says while the reduction in overall injury numbers is pleasing, the increase in deaths in the home is alarming.

“Twelve New Zealanders are losing their lives every week as a result of accidents they have at home, and many more are being seriously injured. The tragedy is that many of these accidents could be avoided with just one simple change,” says Mr McLea.

“The reality is, something as simple as remembering to flick the light switch on when you use the stairs can help you avoid a fall.

“Home accidents take an incredible toll on families and friends, workplaces, and communities, and they are costing us all. Last year New Zealanders paid out $622 million through their ACC levies for the treatment and rehabilitation of people injured in the home.”

He says that ACC conservatively estimates that alcohol is a contributing factor in nearly one quarter of all ACC claims.

“New Zealanders should be aware that drinking alcohol significantly increases your risk of being injured. As 70 per cent of drinking occasions happen at home, it’s fair to assume that alcohol contributes to a significant number of home injuries,” says Mr McLea.

“Drinking alcohol makes people particularly vulnerable to falls,” he adds.

Data taken from Wellington Hospital’s emergency department from 15 January to 31 March 2010 shows that 43 per cent of injuries involving alcohol were caused by falls.

This week (30 August to 5 September) is Safety NZ Week, and ACC is encouraging all New Zealanders to make just one simple change in their homes to help keep themselves and their families safe.

Home injury facts and simple changes you can make this week:
• Slips, trips and falls make up 41% of all home accidents.
ONE SIMPLE CHANGE: Wear non-slip shoes inside.

• More than 17,000 accidents occur in bathrooms each year.
ONE SIMPLE CHANGE: Use non-slip mats in the bath and shower.

• 133 kids injure themselves running through glass or falling out of a window every single week.
ONE SIMPLE CHANGE: Make sure that you can see glass doors – add stickers or a frosted panel to make them more visible.

• There are 87 stair-related accidents every day that result in an ACC claim. That’s 610 people a week.
ONE SIMPLE CHANGE: Flick the light switch on when you use the stairs.

• Last year 5,400 people were injured using a ladder at home – that’s 15 people every day.
ONE SIMPLE CHANGE: Don’t over reach sideways.

• 40% of homes have dangerously hot water.
ONE SIMPLE CHANGE: Ensure your hot water is 55°C at the tap.

• The more alcohol you drink the greater your risk of injury.
ONE SIMPLE CHANGE: If you are organising a party at home, plan activities so drinking isn’t the focus.

For more simple changes you can make this week visit www.homesafety.co.nz

Ends

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