More accidents occur in the home than on roads

Staying at home may be more dangerous than you think, according to a recent survey. Over 2.8 million people attended accident and emergency departments last year as a result of accidents in the home.

The survey by the Department of Trade and Industry showed that falls, slips, and trips were the most common cause of household injuries. However, a surprisingly large number of accidents happened while people were involved in no particular activity at all.

Eating and drinking claimed 42 000 casualties. Seemingly innocent household items also resulted in trips to hospital. Slippers accounted for over 37 000 injuries, flower pots for 3500, and tissue paper injured over 1500 people. Clothes pegs and BLU-TACK also claimed several victims.

Household accidents are estimated to cost society £25 billion a year, and they put severe strain on NHS resources. Dr Kim Howells, consumer affairs minister, said "Few people realise that in 1998 more people were killed in the home than on the roads. This year's statistics show the importance of safety in the home." "People have accidents doing everyday activities such as walk- ing, running, eating or working in the garden. Most of these accidents can be prevented through different behaviour."

Tracey Maher, Birmingham


studentBMJ 2000;08:217-258 July ISSN 0966-6494