Sporting accidents cost more

Press, 18 July 1979, Page 13

Sporting accidents cost more

PA Invercargill Leisure-time accidents were more expensive than work-related accidents, said a commissioner of the Accident Compensation Commission, Mr J. L. Fahy. He was opening an international ski safety conference in Queenstown. “Originally, it was thought that 20c per $lOO of salary would be sufficient to cover leisure-time accidents,” said Mr Fahy. “In reality the cost is 45c. “One wonders just how long it can be held at this level and what would be the effect on the scheme if there were any further dramatic increases,” he said. The commission’s safety division had an educational

programme and recently promoted the use of mouthguards for contact sports. “We urge all sportsmen and women to recognise their own limitations and keep within them, be they climbing, ski-ing, playing rugby, or hang-gliding,” said Mr Fahy. “We have to accept that there is an inherent trait in the human make-up that, in spite of risks, people will continue to fly, jump, dive, sail, and test themselves in all manner of activities,” he said. “In no way do we wish to lessen enjoyment, but we do want to reduce accidents so that the price paid by the country is likewise reduced,” Mr Fahy said.