The cost to the National Health Service of treating home accident injuries is estimated at £450 million per year, with an additional £1,740 million for the cost of lost output, pain, grief and suffering.

Some facts and figures:

• The biggest single cause of accidents is human error
• With forethought most accidents could be prevented
• More people are injured in their own homes than anywhere else
• Falls of one kind or another account for over 38% of all home accidents
• Fire is one of the most serious hazards in any home. It is fast spreading, lethal and devastating, yet very often preventable
• Accidents involving children often occur in the presence of an adult
• Many accidents occur in the home from everyday activities such as children playing, preparing food, simply moving about the house, carrying out DIY and other household repairs.