ACC minister Nick SmithMonday 30 August 2010, 1:52PM
Media release from ACC minister Nick Smith
Twelve New Zealanders are dying every week and 12,000 are injured
as a result of accidents in their own homes, ACC Minister Nick
Smith says.
"One in seven, or 632,920 New Zealanders were injured in their
homes last year and 621 people died from their injuries.
These are alarming statistics with the majority of the injuries
caused by slips, trips and falls," Dr Smith said.
"This week is Safety NZ Week and the focus by ACC this year is to
highlight that many of these accidents could have been
avoided.
"To avoid the risk of injury, New Zealanders should make simple
changes in the home such as remembering to turn on the light switch
when using stairs, or properly securing a ladder when cleaning roof
gutters. Last year in New Zealand 5400 people were injured while
using a ladder at home. That's 104 every week or 15 a day.
"It is only right that ACC continues to focus on safety in the home
where there is a public misconception that it is safer than other
environments. One in three accidents are sustained at home and last
year the cost of looking after people injured in their own home was
$622 million.
"Injury prevention starts in the home. If we all take simple steps
to ensure where we live is safe, then we reduce the risk of
accidents and injuries."