Vacuuming was the cause of most Northlanders’ injuries according to ACC, followed by cleaning outside, dusting, and cleaning toilets. Photo / 123rf
Vacuuming was the cause of most Northlanders’ injuries according to ACC, followed by cleaning outside, dusting, and cleaning toilets. Photo / 123rf
Northlanders are clocking up millions of dollars in ACC claims doing simple household jobs such as vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the toilet.
Over the last five years, Northlanders have been paid out nearly $7 million worth of claims relating to cleaning, Accident Compensation Corporation figuresshow.
There were 3268 claims for cleaning-related injuries in Northland from 2020 to 2024.
The total costs to help Northlanders recover from their injuries was a whopping $6.8m over that period.
So far this year, there have been 151 new claims costing $285,366.
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“Don’t think you’re bullet-proof, especially when you get older.
“It’s very physical work.
“It’s almost like going to the gym.”
Bachclean NZ owner Tracey Walsh said cleaning was as strenuous as going to the gym.
Vacuuming was the cause of most Northlanders’ injuries according to ACC, followed by cleaning outside, dusting, and cleaning toilets.
Other injuries were caused by slips, trips, falls, and lifting and carrying things.
The most prevalent injuries included soft tissue injuries, lacerations, fractures and dislocations, burns, and foreign bodies in the eye.
On Track Cleaning owner Brian Cook, who has been in the cleaning business for 30 years covering Northland, said he “couldn’t imagine” how people could injure themselves with a vacuum cleaner.
His staff used upright vacuum cleaners which were much safer, he said.
“It’s not the vacuum cleaner that’s the problem, it’s probably people trying to move furniture and putting their back out.
Ash Hook from Scrubby Dubby Cleaning, who does commercial and residential cleaning in the Bay of Islands including Kaikohe, Kawakawa, and Kerikeri, advised people to “be mindful” and work together.
“You want to be in good physical health, and you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew.
Tracey Walsh’s tips for staying free of cleaning injuries
Stretch before and after cleaning.
Avoid repetitive movements.
Stay hydrated.
Have regular breaks.
Be mindful of your stance.
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with roading, lifestyle, business, and animal welfare issues.
