2 May 2013

Little repairs around home can help avoid big accidents

9:05 am on 2 May 2013

Homeowners are being urged to take the time to fix the little problems around the home that can cause big accidents.

A study by the University of Otago shows the New Zealand family home is full of potential hazards, which ACC says are a leading cause of injuries in New Zealand.

Author Michael Keall said many older New Zealand homes don't meet current building standards, and can be a risk.

However, good maintenance and design can make them safer.

Dr Keall said the potential for accidents in the home tends to be overlooked because people view it as their own space and don't look at it as a source of hazards.

Last year ACC received more than 600,00 claims for home-related injuries, which cost more than $280 million.