Ho, ho... ow over Christmas

Hanging the Christmas lights can be treacherous. Photo / APN

On the first day of Christmas, a claim to ACC ... A fall from the chimney, a stampede of festive shoppers, and electrocution from the lights on the Christmas tree.

It may be the season to be jolly, but it's also a time to take care and be aware of the many unforseen hazards Kiwi revellers fall victim to each year, warns the Accident Compensation Corporation.

Figures released to the Herald on Sunday show falls are most common at this time of year.

"People are often rushing around more over Christmas, they may be carrying parcels, fall on presents left on staircases or fall off ladders putting up Christmas decorations," said ACC's Dr Keith McLea.

Between Christmas Day last year and January 7 this year, nearly 22,000 New Zealanders claimed ACC for falls.

The second most common ailment for the festive period was being "knocked by an object".

McLea, general manager of insurance and prevention services, said this category included anything from car accidents to being hurt playing rugby.

Strains from lifting or carrying are the third most common injuries over the Christmas period with 4945 Kiwis seeking treatment last year.

And as holidaymakers venture outdoors they are stung by bees or bitten by other critters.

"Burns and cuts in the kitchen are also common, and the dangers are again greater over Christmas when people are cooking special meals, often after a drink or two," said McLea.

"People can be hurt in all sorts of unexpectedly festive ways, like dropping frozen turkeys on their feet."

And even presents under the tree can send their recipients to the emergency department on Christmas morning.

"Lots of people hurt themselves with new power tools and gardening implements."

AVOIDING INJURY THIS FESTIVE SEASON

* Keep stairwells clear of obstacles, like toys. Wear shoes with good grip when using stairs, especially if steps are slippery or shiny (eg polished wood).

* When using a ladder, ask someone else to hold it steady and make sure the ladder is stable before climbing up. Never climb higher than the third step from the top of a straight ladder.

* Read manuals. When you're handling new power tools, learn how to use them first. Use a residual current device when outside it could save you from being electrocuted when using power tools.

* Put safety catches on cupboards holding items like poisons or knives, and keep cupboard doors closed so you don't walk into them. Clean up any spills as soon as you see them.

* For more safety tips visit www.acc.co.nz.