Beware - Christmas Day can be dangerous

ACC warns accidents like these are more common than you think at Christmas. Photo / Thinkstock

Be careful with the Christmas ham this Sunday, you might hurt yourself.

ACC has revealed it received several claims last Christmas following carving mishaps, burns, neck and knee strains from carrying heavy hams.

One injury also occurred after a finger was crushed by a ham toppling from its metal stand.

Of the 3040 injury claims accepted by the ACC for Christmas Day injuries, the majority were from outdoor activities, including frisbee throwing, fishing, playing swingball, playing on the slippery slide, trampolining, scooter riding, and poolside mishaps.

Other injuries involved a rather large son-in-law who made an over-enthusiastic tackle during a family rugby game, exuberant bouncing on a new pogo stick which left its rider with upper leg injuries and there were even a few dancing related injuries.

"For others it was the company of friends and family that ultimately proved injurious," the ACC said.

"One person laughed so hard they fainted, fell into the garden and hit their head, another sustained injury while napping after lunch when an intoxicated person stood on their face and a dislodged jewel stone inadvertently ended up on the menu and broke a diner's tooth. The jewel stone was never recovered."

All up, the cost of the treatment, rehabilitation and compensation for all Christmas Day injuries last year is at $1,987,645.33 to date.

ACC general manager Insurance and Prevention Services Dr Keith McLea said there are simple steps people can take to reduce the risk of injuries on Sunday.

"For example, use a ladder or step ladder to hang decorations, not a chair or worse still a chair balanced on a table.

"Ensure your Christmas tree has a sturdy base to stop it toppling over and if you have extra people in the house, clear away the Christmas debris which people could fall over."