The Christmas period can be one of the most exciting times of the year.

However, in all of the commotion and chaos, there is a higher risk of accidents occurring with more than 80,000 people going to A&E each year for Christmas-related injuries according to the NHS.

Whether it is due to the increased number of activities such as cooking and dancing, or the Christmas festivities and parties that people participate in, Christmas injuries are certainly to be expected.

It’s better to be aware of the common injuries that happen during Christmas to keep both you and your family safe.

Falls

There’s nothing better than putting up Christmas decorations such as the tree, fairy lights, and ornaments around your home to get into the festive spirit. However, christmas injuries can occur when retrieving decorations from attics or storages spaces, especially if they are in awkward locations that are hard to access. There is also an increased likelihood of falling when you are standing on a stool or ladder. A good way to minimise this risk is to rely on another person to support you when you are obtaining or putting up decorations, as well as using a sturdy ladder.

 

Burns and/or fires

Burns are one of the most common injuries in general, but they become even more common during the festive period. As private and public spaces become more crowded, with throngs of people bumping into each other in a frantic rush, situations such as spilling hot drinks and coming into contact with scalding cooking equipment such as pots and pans while preparing food can occur.

During the winter months, it’s also more likely that people burn themselves when open fires are lit to mitigate the harsh weather conditions outside. Candles and fairy lights also have the potential to become fire hazards, so they need to be positioned carefully – away from flammable materials and heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. Fairy lights and candles should also be put out before leaving the house or going to sleep because a fire could break out when you aren’t aware. It’s also important to be conscious of potentially hot objects and beverages as well as keeping your distance from any open fires in your area to avoid an injury.

 

Cuts

With food preparation being one of the main tasks during the Christmas period, it is no surprise that one in five people cut themselves when chopping their Christmas dinner vegetables or other foods. As Christmas is also a time of giving, cuts are also possible when opening presents or packages. Therefore, always make sure to use the correct tools and pay attention to what you are doing. If you have any sharp items such as knives or scissors, make sure to keep these out of reach when you are not using them. It’s also wise to warn others who enter your home during the Christmas period that an item is sharp and must be handled with care.

 

Electric shock

Electric shocks are unusually common at Christmas as homes are decorated both inside and outside with fairy lights. This type of shock may seem to inflict temporary pain, but it can also cause severe injuries. Electrocutions can happen when a fault occurs, or when water makes contact with electricity. In cases like these, it’s vital to check Christmas lights aren’t faulty before hanging them in or around your home. To minimise the risk of electrocution, it is also advisable to avoid plugging too many electric items into one outlet or extension cord. Avoid spilling water on any electrical items and only plug items into a socket when the switch is turned off.

 

Food poisoning

From yule log and pigs in blankets to cheese boards and sticky toffee pudding, there are plenty of festive dishes to choose from at Christmas time. However, as the food consumption levels skyrocket, so too does the chance of food poisoning. As Christmas meals often involve batch cooking, it’s crucial to prepare and store the food correctly to minimise the risk of food poisoning.

This means cooking food all the way through to avoid the growth of bacteria and not leaving it exposed in open spaces. Instead, store the food in a refrigerator or freezer after it has been cooked. Additionally, make sure to maintain a high level of hygiene throughout the process of preparing and storing food items.

 

Car accidents

Due to the slippery, icy roads and the high volume of traffic, the number of car accidents happening soars throughout the Christmas period. The darker nights in many regions also means there is lower visibility when travelling on busy roads. On top of this, there is an increased chance of people driving drunk as more events revolving around alcohol such as Christmas parties are being hosted. Minor car accidents can also occur in car parks as busy crowds are rushing to do their Christmas shopping.

Sometimes, no matter what you to do protect yourself, accidents can happen.

Fortunately, Wafer Phillips Solicitors handles injury claims in a professional and efficient manner. As experts in dealing with different types of injuries, we can advise you on the appropriate course of action.

As a no-win, no-fee firm, we have many years of experience in securing substantial financial compensation for our clients. With a network of professional medical experts, we can assess your condition and fight to gauge the extend of your injury.

We believe in upholding fairness in every case of injury, including personal and criminal injury claims such as road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, slips and trips, criminal injury, and medical negligence.

We are dedicated to supporting people and families who need our help by keeping them informed and trying to get them the compensation they deserve.

For further advice relating to injuries of any kind, or to book a consultation, call us on 0151 256 7898 to put your trust in our wonderful and helpful team.