Christmas Porkies

Christmas Porkies

The humble ham proved the undoing for some Kiwi cooks last Christmas, with several claims accepted by ACC for ham-related injuries.

Among the accidents recorded for December 25th 2010 were several ham carving mishaps and burns, neck and knee strains from carrying heavy hams and a finger crushed by ham toppling from its metal stand.

Of the 3040 injury claims accepted by ACC for Christmas day injuries, the majority were the result of active Kiwis al fresco. Frisbee throwing, fishing, playing swingball, riding the slippery slide, trampolining, scooter riding, and poolside frolics all got a mention. Then there was the large son-in-law who tackled a little too enthusiastically during a family rugby game, exuberant bouncing on a new pogo stick which left it's rider with upper leg injuries and fancy festive footwork which resulted in a few dance related injuries.

For others it was the company of friends and family that ultimately proved injurious. One person laughed so hard they fainted, fell into the garden hitting their head, another sustained injury while napping after lunch when an intoxicated person stood on their face and a dislodged jewel stone inadvertently ended up on the menu and broke a diner's tooth. The jewel stone was never recovered.

The cost of treatment, rehabilitation and compensation for all Christmas day injuries 2010 is $1,987,645.33 to date.

“There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury this Christmas, especially around the home,” says ACC General Manager Insurance and Prevention Services, Dr Keith McLea.

“For example, use a ladder or step ladder to hang decorations, not a chair or worse still a chair balanced on a table. Ensure your Christmas tree has a sturdy base to stop it toppling over and if you have extra people in the house, clear away the Christmas debris which people could fall over. Finally, remember to be a responsible host if serving alcohol this Christmas, to ensure your friends and family stay out of harms way."

ACC staff wish all New Zealanders safe and happy holidays.

ENDS

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