Retirement brings more time to indulge in the leisure activities and the thousand and one jobs around the home that have been put off for years. These activities are often hazardous and carry risks that are not negligible. Traveling, whether by car, train or air still a frequent hazardous activity, but odd- jobs around the home can lead to serious incidents. Electrical accidents and fires that result form badly executed “do-it-yourself” attitudes are unfortunately not rare and they often lead to serious injuries. Working at height and with power tools and machines are problems, which are not confined to occupational activities. Other ther main areas where accidents arise are sport and recreational activities for instance skiing and fishing.
I shall present figures to show that although these problems are magnified as one gets older they present problems throughout a working life and, if not addressed, can incur non-negligible expense for persons and the organisations that employ them. This is on top of the suffering caused to the persons and families concerned.
