There are about 2.8 million home accidents each year where the victim visits an Accident and Emergency department for treatment. In addition, there are a similar number of cases where the victim is treated by a General Practitioner as well as millions of minor cases which are treated at home.

Every year there are over 3,000 deaths in the UK due to home accidents – more than on the roads. The Government in its 1999 White Paper ‘Saving Lives - Our Healthier Nation’ highlighted accidents as one of four key areas for action. Targets have been set to reduce accidental death and serious injury rates by at least 20% and 10% respectively by 2010.

• More than a third of all accidents to adults take place in the home, the largest single cause of accidents in the UK.

• Each year almost a million children under the age of 15 seek hospital attention following a home accident.

• Around 1500 over 65’s die following a fall in the home.

• The total cost of home accident injuries has been estimated at £25 billion per annum.

A significant reduction in home accidents will not only alleviate unnecessary pain and suffering but will also have a major impact on the loading of Hospital Accident and Emergency Units, Social Services, Fire Brigades etc, thus releasing resources for other work.

The DTI published research in November 1999 giving an overview of the pattern of home accidents and  identifying the areas where there is greatest scope for reducing them. This showed the main areas of accidents and the relative proportions of serious accidents and fatalities associated with them. The report entitled ‘Research on the Pattern and Trends in Home Accidents’ highlighted the key areas for action.  

The key areas showing percentage of all fatal and all non-fatal accidents for each year are as follows:

To view or order the full report please click here.

Updated: 05 January, 2005

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