Few safe spots, says survey

Press, 31 May 1977, Page 10

Few safe spots, says survey

Wellington reporter

Almost two-thirds of all accidents in New Zealand occur at work or in the home, 31.4 per cent for each, according to the Accident Compensation Commission. Of the rest, 6.7 per cent occur when travelling, including going to and from work, 6 per cent at school, 10.4 per cent in sport, and 14.1 per cent in other places, including play areas.

These statistics are the result of a survey by the commission of about 50 per cent of all accident victims in New Zealand who received treatment from a general practitioner.

During one week last year — September 27 to October 3 — falls caused 28.8 per cent of the accidents; 10.5 per cent were the result of being struck by an object; 13.4 per cent

from either striking against or stepping on or being caught between objects; 20.5 per cent from over-exertion; 10.8 per cent from being cut or bruised by the object handled; 5.8 per cent from a motor-vehicle; and 10.1 per cent for the rest. In the total sample, 61.9 per cent of victims were males and 38.1 per cent females. There were 10.6 per cent up to nine years of age, 20.6 per cent from 10 to 19, 24.3 per cent from 20 to 34, 25.2 per cent from 35 to 54, and 19.5 per cent aged over 55.

Working people were by far the biggest group, totalling 56.2 per cent; 12.7 per cent were housewives; 19.9 per cent students, both at school and university; 4.6 per cent were pre-school, and the rest, 6.4 per cent included unemployed and retired people.