Press releases

Giving gifts could more than hurt your wallet this Christmas with present wrapping being one of the most dangerous festive activities, according to new research by specialist accident and health insurer Combined Insurance. The findings reveal that as many as one in five (21%) people have injured themselves wrapping presents at Christmas time.

At a time when women can spend a total of 13 days preparing for Christmas - including 9 hours preparing the Christmas lunch and 4 hours wrapping presents – the latest findings reveal that for all their efforts, as many as two thirds (60%) of women burn themselves cooking Christmas lunch, compared to just 31% of men, and 15% have injured themselves lugging Christmas shopping around - compared with just 7% of male shoppers.

Combined Insurance asked a GB representative sample of 2,000 people which of a number of common injuries or accidents they had suffered around the festive period.

Top five most dangerous Christmas activities:
1. Slipping or tripping (63%)
2. Got burnt whilst cooking (47%)
3. Hurt wrapping presents (19%)
4. Injured whilst drunk (14%)
5. Hurt my back lugging presents around (11%)

Key Findings:
• British men are far more likely than women to injure themselves during celebration, revelry and drinking (18% compared to only 11% of women doing the same), through alcohol poisoning (12% of men and just 5% of women) and at the office Christmas party (6% of men and 3% of women).

• Two thirds (60%) of the over 50’s have managed to burn themselves whilst preparing the Christmas lunch.

• A staggering 22% of 18 – 29 year olds have injured themselves whilst wrapping presents and a further 5% have hurt themselves ice-skating.

• One in ten (11%) people between the ages of 30 and 50 have contracted alcohol poisoning during the festive season.

Regional Findings:
• Half (50%) of people living in Wales burned themselves whilst cooking Christmas lunch and a further 17% had injured themselves whilst drunk.

• One in five (17%) of those living in the North have cut themselves wrapping presents.

• In London, 7% have admitted to suffering from food poisoning from Christmas lunch.

• 2% of those living in the Midlands have been electrocuted by their Christmas lights.

• A whopping 72% of Scots have slipped and injured themselves during the festive season.

Nigel Brittle of Combined Insurance says: ‘’Our previous research has shown that the average Briton could last just 15 days if they were to lose their income due to illness or injury. Given that Christmas is supposed to be a cheery time, having an accident that could mean losing your income, could make the festive period quite bleak.

For little more than the price of a weekly average take-away meal, people could take simple steps to protect themselves providing peace of mind and the knowledge that if the worst should happen, they and their family are able to make ends meet.”

For more information please contact:
Derek Gilmour / Kate Seggie FD Consumer Dynamics 020 7269 7265/7151
Derek.gilmour@fd.com

Notes to editors;
- Research was carried out by YouGov amongst a GB representative sample of 2,000 people in November 2006.

- Since 1919, Combined Insurance has specialised in bringing affordable, quality insurance products to individuals and families - and currently provides supplemental disability, accident, health and life cover to over 3.5 million policyholders.