Mishaps at home kill 21 in 2009

Twenty-one people were killed in home accidents in Taranaki during 2009, according to home injury data released this week by the ACC.

The statistics, released to coincide with the launch of Safety NZ Week, also show that 15,776 people were injured in their homes, placing the region fourth in the country for injuries per capita. The majority of deaths were caused by slips, trips and falls.

ACC general manager Injury Prevention, Keith McLea, said the tragedy is that many of these accidents could have been avoided by people making one simple change in the home.

"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," Mr McLea said.

New Zealand's most dangerous regions, in terms of ACC home injury claims, were Northland and Hawke's Bay, where one in five people suffered a home injury, followed by Waikato. The regions with the safest homes were Southland and Marlborough.

Mr McLea said while the reduction in overall home injury numbers is pleasing, the increase in deaths is alarming.

"Twelve New Zealanders lose their lives every week as a result of accidents they have at home, and many more are seriously injured."

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

This week is Safety NZ Week, and ACC is encouraging all New Zealanders to make one simple change in their homes to help keep themselves and their families safe.

- © Fairfax NZ News