Two Die In Home Accidents Each Week

Two people die in Northern Ireland each week as a result of an accident in their home.

The figures have been released by Health Minister Jim Wells, as he launched the Home Accident Prevention Strategy for Northern Ireland. The initiative aims to reduce the number of unintentional injuries and deaths caused by accidents in the home.

Two people die each week as a result of a home accident in Northern Ireland. In addition, there are around 17,000 admissions to hospital each year as a result of accidental injuries.

Between 2001 and 2011, 480 deaths were as the result of a fall, but Minister Wells added that "hazards come in all shapes and forms, including poisoning, inhalation of smoke, strangulation by blind cords, drowning and choking."

Minister Wells said: "More accidents occur in the home than anywhere else and on average, two people die each week in Northern Ireland as a result of an accident in their own homes. The aim of the Home Accident Prevention Strategy is to minimise injuries and deaths caused by home accidents.

"We may feel safe in our own homes, but hazards and risks are all around and I encourage everyone to take a look around their home tonight and check for any potential areas of danger, including eliminating risks of trips and falls, testing your smoke alarm, ensuring fires and heaters are well guarded, securing blind cords and keeping medicines and cleaning products safely out of the reach of young children."

(JP/CD)