The hidden Christmas health hazards we all need to be aware of - with one type of serious injury more than doubling this time of year

Christmas is supposed to be a season of tinsel, mince pies, and 'The Muppets Christmas Carol', not an unexpected visit to A&E. However, with the holiday bustle, homes decked in fairy lights, and ovens working overtime, accidents can happen.

There are measures you can take to ensure your family's safety during the festive period. "We want people to have fun at Christmas," says James Broun, research manager at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). "You’re not going to be having fun if you’re going to A&E on Christmas Eve, or your grandparents have a slip. It’s about trying to create an environment where you can have fun by making your house safe in practical ways."

In case of an accident, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately, but with some awareness and preparation, you can enjoy a safe and joyful festive period. Falls are the top cause of accidental death in the UK.

"Thousands of people die every year as a result of falls, and many hundreds of thousands are hospitalised," Broun points out. In 2023, falls led to 450,000 A&E visits.

Christmas can set the stage for particular kinds of falls, he says: "When people go up into the loft to get boxes down, or the rafters of their garage, they often end up climbing a ladder, something a lot of homeowners don’t actually do that often."

The festive season brings with it an increased risk of accidents in the home, particularly for older individuals who may be less stable on their feet, leading to serious falls – a staggering 3,500 over-65s succumb to such incidents annually. Children are also at risk as they might follow their parents into potentially dangerous areas like lofts or up ladders, resulting in falls.

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