‘Have a hmmm’ during the Christmas rush
We’re encouraging New Zealanders to be mindful of the dangers of the Christmas rush this month to avoid an injury that sours the festive season.
Over the last ten years, our figures show almost 2,500 people have suffered an injury related to Christmas during December.
It’s cost more than $2 million to support people to recover from Christmas-related injuries during this period.
The claims include injuries in which Christmas trees, lights, gifts, wrapping paper and Christmas hams or turkeys were mentioned in the accident description.
Most claims were for soft-tissue injuries like strains, sprains and bruises, with the most injured body part being the lower back or spine.
Making poor decisions in a hurry
ACC Injury Prevention Leader James Whitaker says the lead-up to Christmas can be a busy time when we’re often doing things in a rush, and this can increase the chances of an injury occurring.
“Kiwis generally know the safe way to do things – but sometimes we make poor decisions when we’re under pressure or in a hurry,” James says.
“Our research shows 90 per cent of all injuries are predictable and therefore preventable, and Christmas-related injuries are no different.
“If we take the time to slow down and assess the risk before we get stuck in, we can prevent these injuries from happening.”
Trees top the Christmas injury charts
The data shows Christmas trees were involved in the highest number of injuries, with almost 1,200 claims accepted in the past ten years.
Most injuries occurred while people were lifting or moving trees.
The cost of supporting people to recover from injuries involving Christmas trees was more than $1 million.
James says many injuries occur when people underestimate the risk and overestimate their ability.
“Christmas trees can be heavy and awkward to transport and put up at home, but there are several things we can do to reduce the chance of injury,” he says.
“These include avoiding carrying trees overhead or low to the ground to protect your shoulders and lower back, taking your time and having a plan, making sure there are no hazardous objects in your way, and seeking help when manoeuvring and putting up trees. It might be a two-person job.”
Lifting proves a common injury cause
But it’s not just Christmas trees that are getting New Zealanders into trouble.
A further 391 New Zealanders lodged an injury claim related to Christmas lights over the past ten years. The majority of these injuries occurred while people were walking or running, and most were strain or sprain injuries to the lower back or spine.
Meanwhile, more than 500 people have lodged a claim for an injury involving a Christmas ham, while 237 people have experienced an injury involving a Christmas gift.
Lifting and moving of these objects was again one of the main causes of injury.
Staying injury free to enjoy the festivities
James says injuries involving moving and lifting of heavy objects are part of a wider problem and are among the leading causes of all ACC injury claims.
He says it’s important to take your time when lifting and transporting awkward objects like frozen hams, which can be heavier than you think.
“If possible, ask for help to avoid putting strain on your lower back, and make sure areas like kitchen floors are dry and clear of obstacles.”
“The lead-up to Christmas can be extremely busy around the home – wrapping Christmas presents, decorating the tree and cooking up a storm,” James says.
“If we take time to assess the risk in all these situations, we can avoid injuries and keep doing our favourite things with the people we love to spend time with.”
Christmas-related injury claims 2013-2022
Tree: 1,195 injuries
Ham: 505 injuries
Lights: 391 injuries
Gifts: 237 injuries
Turkey: 94 injuries
