Falls were the leading cause of accidental deaths, accounting for 48% in 2023, and 59% of accident-related hospital admissions, major media reported. Poisoning caused 27% of deaths but only 3% of admissions. Almost 10% of poisoning deaths were linked to alcohol, and the largest share of hospital admissions for poisoning was for medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Deaths from dog bites rose from 6 in 2022 to 20 in 2023, major media reported. Men experienced higher rates of accidental injury and death compared with women, according to a RoSPA report. Older people faced disproportionately high numbers of serious injuries and deaths from falls. People in more deprived areas face higher risks, RoSPA said. Scotland had the highest accidental death rate among UK countries, while London was the safest region. Wales' rate was 44.25 per 100,000, South East England's 28.68, and London's 19.51.
Accidents have a tragic impact, not just on individuals, families and communities, but society as a whole.
Accidents are the leading cause of preventable death under 40, RoSPA said, and cost the NHS at least £6 billion annually. Sir Andrew Mitchell secured a Westminster Hall debate on a national accident prevention strategy. RoSPA said: "Accidents have a tragic impact, not just on individuals, families and communities, but society as a whole."
Immediate treatment costs to the NHS run to £6 billion annually, not including follow-up rehabilitation and other costs, and accidents account for a minimum of 5.2 million bed days, reducing capacity and driving up waiting lists across the health service.