ACC has revealed the Christmas-related injuries turning the festive season into an expensive one, with claims costing nearly $400 million over the past five years.
Nearly 210,000 claims have been lodged for injuries linked to Christmas activities since 2020, with games and toys involved in the highest number.
Falls from chairs, stools and ladders accounted for 24,789 claims — with a total cost of $51.3 million.
Injuries related to gifts and Christmas lights cost $459,087, while preparing the Christmas ham led to 516 claims worth $280,736 — mostly cuts and lacerations.
Staying safe as huge cost of Christmas-related ACC claims revealed - Watch on TVNZ+
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker told 1News that stress and deadlines were big factors at this time of year.
"Some of the biggest factors are a lot of people feel stressed at this time of year… there’s heaps going on," he said, urging people to slow down and plan ahead.
Emergency department specialist Dr John Bonning said Christmas Day was often slightly quieter than average, but said things tended to pick up after Boxing Day and on New Year's Day.
"Think about your actions and plan. Be careful with alcohol, careful on the roads. The roads are quite treacherous at this time of year. It’s hot, there are distractions, people are stressed," he said.
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