Don’t be a sucker – get a grip on your rugs

Media Release
3 October 2012

Don’t be a sucker – get a grip on your rugs

Early vacuum cleaners were powered by coal and were so large, they had to be parked outside a building and needed three people to operate them. It doesn’t take so much effort to keep your floors clean these days, but it may require a little bit of effort to keep them safe.

It’s day 3 of ACC’s Home Safety Action Week 2012 today, which is ‘Wickedly Safe Rugs Wednesday’.

Rugs and mats are the third of five common hazards in the home that we’re spotlighting this week, along with simple things you can do to reduce the risk of injury and keep you and your family safe.

John Beaglehole, ACC’s General Manager, Insurance and Prevention Services, says rugs and mats were the cause of nearly 5000 fall-related ACC claims last year.

John suggests taking the following steps to reduce the risk of this moving hazard:
• Secure rugs and mats with anti-slip tape, or spray on a non-slip coating
• Use carpet grips for mats
• Repair damaged carpet on stairs
• If you’re buying a new rug, look for one with a non-slip backing.

Over 1,100 businesses, schools, community groups and government agencies are helping ACC spread the safety message this week.

Falls are the biggest cause of injuries at home, leading to over 280,000 ACC claims last year. It's not just young children and older people who fall, either – around 40% of home falls last year happened to people aged 25-64 years.

Find out more about Home Safety Action Week 2012 at www.homesafety.co.nz or follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/NZhomesafety.

-ENDS-

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