For many in Austria, the awakening of spring also means preparing for spring or Easter cleaning. More than three-quarters of households thoroughly clean their own four walls in the spring. This entails a risk of accidents that should not be underestimated.
Because more than a third of Austrians have injured themselves at least once, according to a current survey by market agent on behalf of Allianz Austria. For example, 37 percent of respondents stated that they had injured themselves one or more times during household activities – with the exception of cooking. More than a quarter (26 percent) know that this has already happened to another person from the same household.
Common: cuts and head injuries
The most common injuries are cuts (51 percent), head injuries from bumps or falling objects (44 percent) and crush injuries (41 percent). Austrians are almost as likely to trip over objects or vacuum cleaner cords while cleaning (39 percent), burn themselves (30 percent) or injure themselves while lifting heavy objects (27 percent). Falling from stairs (22 percent), falling from ladders or chairs (21 percent) and slipping accidents (12 percent) are especially dangerous.
Less common: electric shock and poisoning
Electric shocks from electrical appliances (11 percent), irritations or chemical burns (7 percent) and poisoning (2 percent) from chemicals are relatively less common.
Denise Cullu, private accident insurance expert at Allianz Austria, advises taking safety measures when cleaning at Easter: “Tripping hazards such as slipping carpets should be eliminated in advance.” When dusting or cleaning windows, you should also never stand on armchairs, tables or other pieces of furniture: “Many serious injuries have happened here,” notes Cullu.
Legal insurance does not cover everything
The expert points out that accidents that happen while cleaning at home are considered leisure accidents and are therefore not covered by statutory accident insurance. In addition, treatment costs are only reimbursed to a certain extent by statutory health insurance. If you want to be financially protected in the event of serious incidents, Denise Cullu recommends taking out private accident insurance. This offers “a capital benefit in the form of a one-off payment or a monthly pension in the event of permanent physical disabilities”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
