Last year 621 New Zealanders died from accidents in the home – that’s 12 people every week, higher than the road toll and workplace deaths combined. ACC statistics released for Safety NZ Week show the most common injuries are slips and falls, running through a glass door or falling from a window, stair and ladder-related accidents, and burns from hot water. ACC data for 2009 new home injury claims (over 600,000 in total) also show, for some reason, the claims rate is highest (up to 20/100 population) in Northland, Waikato and Hawke’s Bay and lowest across the South Island. ACC’s annual Safety NZ Week (30 Aug 5–Sep 2010) aims to highlight the major risks and simple steps for a safer home: 

• use non-slip mats in the bath and shower
• wear non-slip shoes or slippers inside, not socks
• make glass in doors visible; add stickers or frosting
• tie up dangling cords and shorten power leads
• put childproof safety catches on windows
• ensure stairs are well lit (switches at top and bottom).

Alcohol in the home is also a factor. ACC general manager of injury prevention Keith McLea says, “Consuming just four standard drinks on a single occasion more than doubles the risk of injury over the next six hours.” More tips at www.homesafety.co.nz