That moss could cost you deerly

Media Release
1 October 2012

That moss could cost you deerly

Reindeers eat moss because it contains a chemical that keeps their blood warm, much like the anti-freeze in your car. But for the thousands of Kiwis who were injured last year after slipping on a mossy path, steps or driveway, that’s simply cold comfort.

ACC’s Home Safety Action Week 2012 begins today, which is ‘Mossy Monday’.

Moss is the first of five common hazards in the home that we’re spotlighting this week, along with simple things you can do to reduce the risk of injury and keep you and your family safe.

John Beaglehole, ACC’s General Manager, Insurance and Prevention Services, says moss was the cause of 7,000 fall-related ACC claims last year.

John suggests taking the following steps to reduce the risk of this slippery hazard:
• waterblast, scrub or spray mossy areas with moss removal products
• cut trees and shrubs back to prevent shade – conditions which moss thrives in
• build new decks with grooved timber.

Over 1,100 businesses, schools, community groups and government agencies are helping ACC spread the safety message this week.

Falls are the biggest cause of injuries at home, leading to over 280,000 ACC claims last year. Its not just young children and older people who fall, either – around 40% of home falls last year happened to people aged 25-64 years.

Find out more about Home Safety Action Week 2012 at www.homesafety.co.nz or follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/NZhomesafety.

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