Birmingham Charity Urges Holiday Safety Amid NHS Winter Crisis Talks in the UK

According to the key statistics from RoSPA's report, the most common home accidents are:

• Falls: 40% (3,148 cases)
• Accidental Poisonings and Exposure to Noxious Substances: 34% (2,686 cases)
• Other and Unspecified Factors: 19% (1,491 cases)
• Non-drowning Threats to Breathing: 3% (259 cases)
• Exposure to Smoke, Fire, and Flames: 2% (142 cases)
   

Safety Tips for the Festive Season
 

1. Online Shopping:

• Purchase from reputable retailers and avoid counterfeit goods.
• Look for compliance marks (CE, UKCA) and avoid unsafe products.
• Report unsafe items to trading standards.

2. Christmas Morning Hazards:

• Ensure button batteries in toys and gadgets are securely enclosed and out of children's reach.
• Avoid electrical risks by not daisy chaining extension cords; use a single, safe power strip.

3. Kitchen Safety During Lunch Preparation:

• Be cautious with knives, hot surfaces, and cooking oil to prevent cuts, burns, and slips.
• Keep pot handles inward and clean up spills promptly.
• Practice food hygiene with separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.

4. Evening and Bedtime:

• Check for loose rugs, lit candles, and scattered toys to avoid trips or fires.
   

RoSPA’s long-term strategy focuses on reducing the high number of accidents that occur in homes across the UK, as highlighted in its National Accident Prevention Strategy (NAPS).

With over 20,000 lives lost annually due to accidents, this initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage proactive safety measures, especially during the winter months when families are more likely to be indoors. By emphasizing simple steps to prevent injuries, the strategy seeks to build safer living environments and reduce the burden on emergency services.