Keep safe with a helping hand

When it’s cold and wet, the last thing we feel like doing is chores, especially the ones that require water blasting or climbing up ladders. 

Unfortunately, those jobs we’d rather put off, like cleaning the slimy path or blocked gutters, are the ones we need to do the most as not only are they unsightly but they are also a potential health risk.

Mould and slime love our cold damp winters, quickly making paths, decks and driveways a trip hazard. In fact slips, trips and falls remained the single largest cause of injury in New Zealand. ACC data shows that about 770,000 fall-related injury claims are filed in an average year. Nationwide, the total cost of these fall claims runs into the billions of dollars. For example, ACC paid out about $1.6 billion for slip, trip and fall injuries over a recent 11-month period (July 2023 to May 2024). 

These numbers underscore the huge impact of falls; they account for over two thirds of all injury claims handled by ACC, and the home is the most common setting for these accidents, indicating how many occur in everyday environments.

ACC reports highlight that wet or mossy decks, driveways, and steps are a major hazard especially in our damp climate, as wooden decks or paved paths can grow slick with moss or lichen. 

Poorly maintained paths and footpaths also contribute substantially to fall accidents. Uneven pavement, cracks, potholes, and other maintenance issues create trip hazards. An analysis of fall locations in New Zealand found that more than 60 per cent of outdoor fall sites had at least one trip hazard due to poorly maintained footpaths. 

Common obstacles include things like raised edges, broken concrete, manhole covers, and even overgrown vegetation. Such environmental hazards in the community, combined with inattention or age-related factors, often result in serious injuries from tripping or stumbling.

Ashleigh Jillings from Monster Wash says getting someone in to help keep these hazardous areas clean and well-maintained is especially important as we get older.

One of the biggest problems is moss and mould, she says.

“Every place is different, depending on how much light it gets. Some need to be done every three months, others only once a year. The best treatment is waterblasting and it’s simpler to get someone in to do it for you, and safer if you are older or have mobility issues, especially if it’s slippery stairs or on a slope.

“Decks can get really slimy, and need a good blast before winter, and we use a chlorine wash which breaks down quickly and does the job.”

Although less of a physical hazard, Ashleigh advises getting gutters and roofs cleaned at the same time.

“A lot of people don’t realise that lichen can eat colour steel, so it’s important to get that properly treated. Once leaves start to fall, keeping gutters clean is important and again it’s one of those job you want to get a hand with especially if you have mobility issues, as no one wants to see you fall from a ladder.”

Another advantage of a gutter and house clean Ashleigh says, is you can do fly and spider treatments at the same time, as well as deal with any paper wasp nests that may be lurking in the gutters.

“Paper wasps are more of a hazard in the spring and summer, and they love to make nests in the gutters, so it helps keep them away.”

Hibiscus Coast handyman Col Arundell echoes the message to get someone in to tackle those necessary but hard to get to jobs.

“It’s not just about the height, it’s about losing your equilibrium as you get older. Some people will struggle just a few rungs up on a ladder, let alone trying to clean a gutter or change a lightbulb.”

He says some women are used to their husbands doing the maintenance around the house and either because they are now on their own or their husbands can no longer assist, things tend to pile up and need to be repaired all at once.

“I can pop in and do a range of things, and often it will only take me a few minites to fix it as I have all the tools”.

He says it’s usually a few things people need help with, like hanging pictures, repairing cupboard hinges, drawers that won’t shut and also window latches.”

“In summer, you don’t notice the latches are sticking, then suddenly it’s winter and you can’t close a window, and it’s on the second floor. It’s not something I advise you to do yourself.”

One thing Col advises people to do is to install grab rails around the home as they get older for safety.

“It’s a great safety measure and one that is quick and easy to do.”