The cost to the National Health Service of treating home accident injuries is estimated at £450 million per year, with an additional £1,740 million for the cost of lost output, pain, grief and suffering.
Some facts and figures.
- The biggest single cause of accidents is human error
- With forethought most accidents could be prevented
- Most people are injured in their own homes than anywhere else
- In 1995 home accidents accounted for 37% of all accidents requiring hospital treatment
- Falls of one kind or another account for over 38% of all home accidents
- Fire is one of the most serious hazards in any home. It is fast spreading, lethal and devastating, yet very often preventable
- Accidents involving children often occur in the presence of an adult
- Many accidents occur in the home from everyday activities such as children playing, preparing food, simply moving about the house, carrying out DIY and other household repairs
Trading Standards will give talks to businesses, consumer groups, schools or any other organisations on home safety.
If you would like more advice or for us to give a presentation to your organisation contact us as follows.
Trading Standards
Textile Hall
Manchester Road
Bury
BL9 0DG
Phone: 0161 253 5566
E-mail: tradingstandards@bury.gov.uk.
Useful information can also be found at www.rospa.com
and www.dti.gov.uk/homesafetynetwork.
