Summer injury claims on the rise

Holidaymaking and home repairs are a dangerous business, with ACC claims spiking in Palmerston North, Georgia Forrester reports.

Summertime has seen an increase in insurance claims in the city, with falls topping the list as the most common cause of injury.

There were 8695 claims made to ACC for accidents in Palmerston North between December 2015 and February 2016, up 15 per cent on the same period the previous year.

The cost of the claims was just over $6.7 million, a significant decrease on the December 2014 to February 2015 period, where 7557 claims came in at a cost of $9.4m.

ACC media advisor Suzanne Muth said the majority of accidents over summer occurred in and around the home, and were the result of falls.

Palmerston North was no different, with losing balance or personal control – falling – the top cause of injury over the 2015-2016 summer period.

Being struck by animals or people, colliding with objects, and strains from carrying or lifting were the next most common causes of injury.

The most common injuries suffered were soft tissue damage, lacerations, fracture and dislocations, foreign objects in eyes, dental damage and burns.

Palmerston North Hospital Emergency Department charge nurse Iona Bichan said there were often toy related injuries in the days following Christmas.

In the past, people had visited the ED with scooter or trampoline related injuries, as well as injuries suffered from children falling out of trees, or other party and barbecue related injuries, she said.

‘‘There’s quite a lot of soft tissue injuries, sprained ankles and breaks.’’

Hokowhitu Pharmacy owner Len Patel said they saw a lot of people with back pain in summer, having been outside gardening and doing chores.

A lot of customers visited to pick up anti-inflammatories, as well as hay fever tablets.

Desmond Mupokosa, from Vautier Pharmacy, said he saw a lot of people purchasing ice packs, ointment and pain relief due to sport injuries.

So far this summer he had seen

rugby players, and a child who had fallen off a skateboard, come in for help.

Those aged between 20-24 appeared to be the most accident prone, consistently making the highest number of claims every summer for the past four years.

The age group accounted for 721 claims in the 2015-2016 summer period.

There were 2240 claims made in the Manawatu District between December 2015 and February 2016, a decrease of 6 per cent on the year prior.

The claims cost decrease of 4 per cent.

Muth said research showed home steps or stairs were the locations which accounted for the highest number of claims, almost double other rooms and at home locations.

It was important to take time to clear away clutter from underfoot, secure extension cords, rugs, keep thoroughfares well-lit, and also remind energetic youngsters ‘‘to apply the brakes’’, especially when there were people visiting over the holidays, she said.

‘‘It’s also important to offer a steadying arm to older people who may not be as familiar with your home environment and any potential hazards.’’

ACC also recommends keeping walkways clear, running power cords along walls, and using safe, stable ladders. $1.7m, a