manchester

christmas

Take care over Christmas

AROUND 80,000 Britons are expected to go to hospital after being injured in the home over the festive season, campaigners are warning.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said that even more people were likely to hurt themselves while out and about during the Christmas festivities.

But they warned that employers could bear the brunt of such misadventures with increased absenteeism to start 2006.

RoSPA is urging Britain's bosses to play their part in making sure employees return safely back to work after the Christmas break by helping them avoid the pitfalls that land people in hospital.

This could include giving advice about lifting and moving heavy items like Christmas trees - around 1,000 people a year have some kind of accident involving their tree.

Fire safety advice and driving guidance issued in the workplace can also have a benefit outside of the office.

Errol Taylor, RoSPA's acting chief executive, said: "Employers can encourage safety advisers and representatives to raise awareness among staff about the dangers they face away from work this Christmas and throughout the year.

"It makes sound business sense and is good for everyone if employees don't have to take time off because of injuries to themselves or family members."

Here are some of the areas where workplace safety practice can help people avoid accidents elsewhere:

Lifting - Manual handling training at work can also help prevent back problems caused by lifting heavy presents, moving furniture or getting the Christmas tree out of the car, according to RoSPA.

Safety gear - People use safety equipment at work, but may forget to buy vital items such as helmets when purchasing bikes, skates and skateboards for their children. RoSPA said that companies could loan out items such as goggles and gloves for people planning DIY projects at home.

Fires - No employer can ignore fire safety, but at home people do, according to RoSPA. Employees can be prompted to check smoke alarms are working, fires are guarded and candles are not left unattended.

Falls - All organisations should be trying to prevent falls at work. RoSPA said they could also remind people to take precautions such as using ladders and stepladders correctly at home, as 1,000 people per year are injured putting up decorations.

Electrics - Electrical safety is a huge priority at work. RoSPA said that about 350 people are hurt in accidents with Christmas lights each year, and new appliances should be installed carefully, rather than in a rush, with instructions followed closely.

Driving - RoSPA said that fleet managers could give winter driving tips and reminders of journey planning so that people are not making long excursions when tired. They also said that bosses needed to be sure no-one is driving home if they have been drinking at the office party.