News Release

Minister Jack Snelling

Minister for Health Minister for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Minister for the Arts Minister for Defence Industries Minister for Health Industries

Thursday, 17 April, 2014

Keep safe when doing home improvements and spend Easter at home, not in hospital
South Australians are being reminded to take care when doing work around the house this Easter, with approximately 800 people admitted to hospital last year with injuries caused by ladders, hand tools and electric shocks. Health Minister Jack Snelling said while many South Australians would use the upcoming long weekend to undertake home improvement works, it was important people take precautions to avoid getting hurt. Many tasks such as painting, gardening, cleaning gutters, changing light fittings or general repairs require tools or ladders that can easily lead to accidents if people are unprepared or distracted, Mr Snelling said. In the last three years, our metropolitan public hospitals have treated more than 2250 people who hurt themseves by falling off a ladder, using a handtool or getting an electric shock. The most common injuries were caused by non-powered hand tools such as handsaws, axes, screw drivers, rakes and pitchforks, as well as power ginders and saws. Mr Snelling said injuries ranged from fractures and dislocations to people needing surgery on their hands for skin and bone grafts, tendon repairs and soft tissue, peripheral and cranial nerve procedures. These injuries can be quite serious and can take a long time to heal, which is why its important people make sure they wear the proper protective gear when using tools and seek professional help if they are unsure how to operate equipment properly, he said. We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter but remember, if you do have an accident which requires emergency medical assistance you should immediately call 000.

Public hospital admissions for injuries caused by ladder falls, electric shocks and hand tools by year 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 716 776 792

www.premier.sa.gov.au

Twitter: @sa_press_sec

Most common injuries caused by DIY accidents Number Cause of admissions injury between 2010-13 Hand 256 tools

Injury type

Hand and wrist injuries, including: damaged extensor muscles/tendons finger, wrist and/or hand fractures Open wounds to hands, feet and/or thighs amputations (partial and/or complete) of fingers and/or thumbs Complicated and severe hand injuries which require more complex care, including open wounds and/or amputations Fractures and dislocations to limbs and joints including heels, shoulders, knees and/or upper arms Fractures to the elbow or forearm, including the ulna and/or radius

Hand tools

203

Hand tools

147

Fall from a ladder

107

Fall from a ladder

90

www.premier.sa.gov.au

Twitter: @sa_press_sec