Birmingham charity urges holiday safety amid NHS winter crisis warning

RoSPA urges holiday safety amid NHS winter crisis talks

• NHS Winter Crisis: As the NHS faces immense pressure, RoSPA highlights the critical need to prevent avoidable accidents to reduce the burden on emergency services.
• Over the last decade, the rate of accidental deaths has increased by 42%
• There were 741,755 hospital admissions related to accidents in England in 2022/23

As the NHS prepares for a difficult winter, Health Secretary Wes Streeting is holding urgent talks to address the crisis. Meanwhile, RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) is urging families to prioritise safety during the festive season. With emergency services under increased pressure, preventing avoidable accidents at home is more crucial than ever. To avoid unnecessary injury this Christmas, RoSPA has put together some key advice to help cut the chances of a hospital visit in the coming weeks.

RoSPA’s most recent groundbreaking report, Safer Lives, Stronger Nation, has revealed the five most common accidents in the home:

• Falls: 3,148 (40%)
• Accidental poisonings and exposure to noxious substances: 2,686 (34%)
• Other and unspecified factors: 1,491 (19%)
• Non-drowning threats to breathing (e.g. suffocation, choking, strangulation): 259 (3%)
• Exposure to smoke, fire and flames: 142 (2%)

With more people set to be at home during the winter break, RoSPA’s home and product expert has broken down the best ways to stay safe in the lead-up to Christmas and on the big day.

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said:

“Christmas is an exciting time for families across Britain, but unfortunately most accidents happen at home. This is why to ensure an enjoyable Christmastime, it’s essential to be aware of certain hazards that could lead to a hospital visit.

“Luckily, there are many things that you can do that will make your festive season a lot safer. For instance, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issues warnings about unsafe products, so by staying informed and cautious, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a joyful holiday for everyone.”

Last-minute online shopping

In the lead-up to Christmas, many people turn to online shopping for last-minute gifts, so it’s crucial to shop safely to avoid scams and ensure the safety of purchased products.

Safety Tip: When shopping online, prioritise safety over savings, especially for children’s products, electronics, and household items. Be wary of counterfeit goods and always check for compliance marks like the CE or UKCA marks. Avoid impulse buying and stay informed about product recalls. Exercise extra caution with products for babies and children, and always buy from reputable retailers. If you encounter unsafe products, report them to the retailer and trading standards services.

Christmas morning: unwrapping gifts safely

As families gather around the Christmas tree to unwrap gifts, RoSPA emphasises the importance of being cautious with packaging and small parts. Many toys and gadgets contain button batteries, which can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. Ensure that button batteries are securely enclosed and out of reach of young children. Another common hazard is the daisy chaining of extension cords (connecting multiple extension cords or power strips in a series), which can lead to electrical fires.

Safety Tip: Check toys and gadgets for secure battery compartments and dispose of any loose batteries immediately. Additionally, avoid daisy chaining extension cords by using a single, appropriately rated power strip and ensuring all appliances are plugged in safely.

Afternoon lunch preparation

Common mishaps include cuts from sharp knives, burns from hot surfaces and liquids, and slips on wet floors. Additionally, the rush to get everything ready can result in cooking oil burn, which recently involved Carly Till from Northampton. After cooking a chicken, she accidentally dropped boiling hot oil on her arm, resulting in severe burns and swelling and left her without the use of her arm for weeks.

Safety Tip: To avoid these accidents, ensure your kitchen is well-organized and clutter-free. Use sharp knives carefully and always cut away from your body. Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent spills and burns, and clean up any spills immediately to avoid slips. Practice good food hygiene by washing your hands frequently, using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables, and cooking food to the recommended temperatures.

Evening: before bed

As the day winds down, take a moment to ensure a last-minute accident doesn’t occur before bedtime.

Safety Tip: check your home for potential hazards, such as loose rugs, lit candles and strewn toys or gifts that could trip you up as you head off to bed.

National Accident Prevention Strategy

Over 20,000 lives are lost annually due to accidents in the UK, which RoSPA recently highlighted its National Accident Prevention Strategy (NAPS) report, which focuses on reducing the high level of accidents that occur in the home. With many families spending more time indoors during the winter months, it’s crucial to be aware of potential hazards and take steps to prevent accidents.