ACC videos warn of Christmas injuries

Slipping on rugs while carrying too many presents, coming off while taking a new bike for its first spin and getting squashed by falling Christmas trees all come with a friendly warning from the ACC.

With 11 days until Christmas, the ACC is releasing a series of "fun videos'' online featuring odd Christmas injuries to avoid.

During the summer holidays people tended to relax and change their regular routine and while some might say that was how accidents happened, the truth was most injuries were preventable, ACC head of injury prevention Isaac Carlson said.

Last year more than 4000 New Zealanders were injured on Christmas Day alone, and 2530 head collisions, 132 Christmas tree injuries and 1190 bike accidents over the season accounted for $3.5million worth of ACC claims.

A further 28 people were hurt while cooking or barbecuing, and 22 were injured cleaning the house before or after a Christmas Day visit from friends and family.

"The perils of falling Christmas trees, hanging the fairy lights and flying wine corks play a starring role in the video series because we know people can probably relate to these weird Christmas injuries,'' Mr Carlson said.

He said he hoped the videos would start a conversation on just how many injuries were preventable.

The number of road injuries was 405, including 142 relating to motorcycles.

Beach and swimming accidents accounted for another 171 injuries. Young people and males accounted for more than one third of preventable drownings.

Mr Carlson said the key thing was to teach young people how to assess and manage risks in their surroundings, so they could have fun with their friends and family safely.

Alcohol-related injuries also took a toll, accounting for more than one in 10 of all ACC claims.

The reality was the more you drank, the greater the risk of injury.

"To reduce your risk, set a limit on your drinking and stick to it, eat plenty of food and pace yourself with water or other non-alcoholic drinks,'' Mr Carlson said. 

Tips to prevent injuries

• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.

• Fasten loose rugs to the floor.

• Run power cords along the walls, not across walkways.

• Ensure there’s adequate lighting indoors and outdoors.

• Clear away toys and clutter.

• Wear shoes if you head out to play avgame of football or cricket.

• If you suspect a blow to the head  has caused concussion, make sure you get to a GP or the ED.