Latest news with #JamesWhitaker
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Avoid slip-sliding into winter injuries: ACC
ODT GRAPHIC Winter has arrived and with it come the inevitable hazardous conditions that cause injury. During the 2024 winter season, more than 11,800 Otago residents made claims to the Accident Compensation Corporation for injuries that occurred around their homes and a further 4458 Southlanders also claimed, costing a total of nearly $20 million to help them recover. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said as temperatures dropped outside, New Zealanders started to spend more time inside. But ACC statistics showed people were more likely to get injured around their home than anywhere else. "This is because we spend a lot of time at home and are probably more laid back than we might be in a work environment, which probably has a lot of safety measures in place." Winter conditions were also more hazardous, he said. Nationwide last year, ACC received 237,007 claims for injuries that occurred around the home during winter, costing $290 million to help people recover. Most injury claims in 2024 were from people aged 50-64. "It's important to be extra cautious around any potentially icy or slippery surfaces outside. "A nasty fall can have serious implications on your own physical and mental health, as well as on those around you. "If you hurt yourself slipping over, you might not be able to be as involved with your kids or grandchildren and your workmates may need to take on some of your tasks." Mr Whitaker said the most prevalent accident cause last winter was loss of balance/personal control (65,310), followed by lifting/carrying/strain (45,365), and slipping and skidding on foot (18,618). Most injury claims were for soft tissue injuries (150,738), followed by lacerations/punctures/stings (42,667) and fractures/dislocations (14,541). "The second-biggest danger in the home is moving stuff around — lifting, carrying and straining account for around 18% of all home-related injuries. "Too often we're trying to lift things that are way too heavy, way too bulky and awkward and we're doing it in ways that hurt. "Think — is this the best way to carry in my firewood? Could I do it in a few smaller loads or with a wheelbarrow to stay injury free? "The same goes with washing. Moving a few lighter loads is far better than piling everything into a basket all at once. "Regardless of what you're moving, have a nice straight back, avoid twisting and try to keep it as light as possible."
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
ACC urges caution in snow season
When it comes to snow-sport-related injuries, Otago is king of the mountain. Accident Compensation Corporation statistics show the region had 6697 snowboarding- and skiing-related injuries in 2024 — more than three times higher than Canterbury (2159), Auckland (1259) and Manawatū-Whanganui (1020). ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said overall, the corporation accepted 7632 skiing injuries, which came at a cost of $30 million to help people recover, and 5104 snowboarding injuries, which cost $14 million. "When winter comes around, many people head up the mountain and get into skiing or snowboarding after not doing it for a year, and this leads to accidents and injuries," he said. "If you're hitting the slopes, complete a good dynamic warm-up before you do your first run — that will get you ready for the fun day ahead. "You don't want to get injured on one of your first trips to the mountain and spend months on the couch while your mates are heading away every weekend." A loss of balance or personal control was the leading cause of injury ahead of a twisting movement, for both snowboarding and skiing, he said. The knees (2165) and shoulders (943) were the most injured body parts in skiing, while shoulders (875), knees (584) and hand/wrist (569) were the most injured body parts in snowboarding. The age group with the most snowboarding injuries was the 25-29 age group (926), and the 20-24 age group (785) had the most injuries for skiing. The Snow Safety Code urged snow-sport-lovers to know their limits, stop only in places where they could be seen, give others room and to protect themselves by wearing a helmet, obeying all signs and closures and taking regular rest breaks. Mr Whitaker also encouraged people to be considerate of others, especially during busy periods like the upcoming school holidays, when there would be less space. "New Zealand has some of the world's most beautiful places to ski and snowboard, and the start of the snow season is always an exciting time, but ease into it so you can enjoy the slopes throughout the winter season." The Remarkables skifield is expected to open this weekend, while Cardrona and Coronet Peak are expected to open on June 15.
Otago Daily Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Care urged in use of firewood: ACC
It is not like splitting atoms. But splitting firewood and stacking it can be nearly as dangerous. Last year, more than 1200 people in Otago and Southland made claims with ACC for firewood-related injuries, costing the taxpayer $3,170,000. The southern regions were among the highest claimants in the country last year, when ACC received 8374 claims for firewood-related injuries nationwide, costing $19.9 million. Injuries included cuts from chopping firewood, burns sustained while adding wood to fires and sprains from lifting and gathering firewood. So, as the winter months draw nearer and southerners are replenishing their supply of firewood for the chilly season, ACC is urging New Zealanders not to rush the job. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said most injuries were predictable and therefore preventable. "If you remember to take a moment to assess the risks, you can avoid injury. "Our top tip for handling firewood safely is to slow down. Many firewood-related injuries happen simply because people are rushing. "Instead of overloading yourself and trying to carry too many pieces of wood at once, use a wheelbarrow, take multiple trips or get someone to help you." He said about 1.3 million of the 2 million injury claims that ACC accepted every year occurred in homes and communities. "That is 65% of all claims. "Trips and hazards are the main culprits, leading to falls being the main cause of injury. "Around 40% of all home-related injuries are from falls or loss of balance. "The second-biggest danger in the home is moving stuff around — lifting, carrying and straining account for around 18% of all home-related injuries." Mr Whitaker said there were flow-on effects for others as well. "If you hurt your back carrying wood, you might not be able to be as involved with your kids or grandchildren and your workmates may need to take on some of your tasks." Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommended homeowners have their chimney cleaned before the first fire of the season; always use a spark guard on an open fire; keep furniture or drying washing at least 1m from the fireplace and dispose of ashes carefully, because they can stay hot for up to five days. It is also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
ACC urges care while dealing with firewood
It is not like splitting atoms. But splitting firewood and stacking it can be just about as dangerous. Last year, more than 1200 people in Otago and Southland made claims with ACC for firewood-related injuries, costing the taxpayer $3,170,000 to help them recover. The southern regions were among the highest claimants in the country last year, when ACC received 8374 claims for firewood-related injuries nationwide, costing $19.9 million. Injuries included cuts from chopping firewood, burns sustained while adding wood to fires and sprains from lifting and gathering firewood. So, as the winter months draw nearer and southerners are replenishing their supply of firewood for the chilly season, ACC is urging New Zealanders not to rush the job. ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said most injuries were predictable and therefore preventable. "If you remember to take a moment to assess the risks, you can avoid injury. "Our top tip for handling firewood safely is to slow down. Many firewood-related injuries happen simply because people are rushing. "Instead of overloading yourself and trying to carry too many pieces of wood at once, use a wheelbarrow, take multiple trips or get someone to help you." He said about 1.3 million of the 2 million injury claims that ACC accepted every year occurred in homes and communities. "That is 65% of all claims. "Trips and hazards are the main culprits, leading to falls being the main cause of injury. "Around 40% of all home-related injuries are from falls or loss of balance. "The second-biggest danger in the home is moving stuff around — lifting, carrying and straining account for around 18% of all home-related injuries." Mr Whitaker said there were flow-on effects for families, friends and workmates as well. "If you hurt your back carrying wood, you might not be able to be as involved with your kids or grandchildren and your workmates may need to take on some of your tasks." Fire and Emergency New Zealand has also recommended homeowners have their chimney cleaned before the first fire of the season; always use a spark guard on an open fire; keep furniture or drying washing at least 1m from the fireplace and dispose of ashes carefully, because they can stay hot for up to five days. It is also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy.
