You can't stop a storm - you can reduce injuries

You can't stop a storm - you can reduce injuries

As the wild weather hit New Zealand this week, TV weather presenters advised Kiwis there was little they could do except batten down the hatches and ride out the storm.

At the same time, many viewers would have noticed a different type of forecast on their screens, predicting injuries rather than conditions overhead.

Unlike the weather forecasts that they mimic, the injury forecasts carry a very different message - that by following a few simple safety tips, you can take control and reduce your risk of injury.

The injury forecasts are part of ACC's Safety Week 2013, which kicked off on Monday.

The week-long campaign encourages Kiwis to be safer while enjoying sports and recreation, having a drink and using steps and stairs.

ACC's General Manager of Insurance and Prevention Services, John Beaglehole, says the 'real' weather presenters' warnings to stay out of harm's way during the storm were sound advice.

"But when it comes to sport and recreation, we're encouraging Kiwis to get out there and keep active, because this has many benefits. At the same time, if you follow a few simple safety tips, you can ensure you enjoy the positives of keeping active, without the downside of an injury."

Similarly, Mr Beaglehole says drinking alcohol needn't lead to harm, provided you do so responsibly.

"It's about putting sensible limits on your drinking, and remembering to pace yourself with non-alcoholic drinks and eat substantial food if drinking alcohol.

Mr Beaglehole also recommends against rushing on stairs, which trip up many Kiwis each year, resulting in further trips to A and E.

More safety tips – and an online tool that lets you calculate your own, personal injury forecast – are available at www.myinjuryforecast.co.nz.

"Safety Week is one of the more visible parts of ACC's home and community focused injury prevention work," says Mr Beaglehole, "when we try to engage a broad cross-section of the public in simple ways to enhance their safety.

"But throughout the year, we have a wide range of ongoing injury prevention initiatives, many in collaboration with other agencies, targeting the home and community, the road and the workplace."

Mr Beaglehole says ACC is planning to significantly increase its focus and investment in injury prevention this coming year.

"At the end of the day, the best way to avoid the huge personal and financial cost of injury is to prevent as many injuries as possible from happening in the first place."

ENDS

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