Safety alert over festive mishaps

Christmas is busiest time of year in casualty

More than 70,000 Britons will spend some of their festive season receiving hospital treatment, a minister has warned.

Consumer Affairs Minister Kim Howells is asking people to be more aware of the dangers, especially from the increasing problem of Christmas candles.

Domestic accidents account for 8,000 victims on Christmas Day and another 10,000 on New Year's Day.

One thousand alone are caused by Christmas tree fairy lights.

Many of those in casualty are victims of their own over-indulgence, especially from alcohol, but others are the hapless victims of domestic accidents.

The government is considering putting warning labels on candles, which account for several thousand accidents every Christmas.

Drink accounts for a lot of accidents

Kim Howells said: "Every year people end up in casualty with lacerated fingers who are using kitchen knives to open their presents, or with burns from preparing the Christmas dinner.

"People must not forget that candles present a fire risk if they are not used properly or treated with care.

"Leaving burning candles unattended or falling asleep with them lit can result in traffic consequences."

Fashion symbol

Candles have becoming increasingly a fashion symbol and sales have increased by over 50% over the last few years.

They also resulted in 2,000 house fires in 1999 in which 19 people died and a further 800 were injured.

It is feared that this figure could rise to 3,000 house fires over the next five years.

The figures were compiled by the Department of Trade and Industry in conjunction with the Home Office.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says the traditional hazards of life are multiplied at Christmas.

"Even your traditional Christmas lunch can pose a threat, " said Roger Vincent of ROSPA.

"Spills, greasy floors, drink, sharp knives and boiling pans - they all play their part."