As winter takes hold over the country, families all over New Zealand are trying to stay warm and cosey at bedtime.

But with a spike in burn claims data every winter, ACC is challenging whānau to take a moment to think before they hit the pillow.

In 2022, ACC accepted 856 claims for hot water bottle related injuries with the majority of these coming from burns (91 per cent).

These injuries came at a cost of $730,000 to help people recover. This was the highest cost of the past four years.

The winter months – June (130), July (143) and August (157) – saw more than 50 per cent of the hot water bottle related injuries for the year.

Over the past five years, ACC accepted 4,593 hot water bottle injury claims at a cost of $3.6 million.

Alongside hot water bottle injuries in 2022, 119 people were hurt in an electric blanket related injury at a cost of $240,000 and 62 people were injured in a wheat bag incident, which cost $87,000.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says there is nothing better than being warm and cosey in bed when it's cold outside but encouraged New Zealanders to be careful.

'Hot water bottles can be really dangerous, especially when boiling hot water is used,” says Whitaker.

'We know that suffering a burn injury can be a debilitating injury, and in some cases a lifelong injury.”

In 2022, the leading age group for hot water bottle related injuries was 65+ with 223 people (26 percent) and women were almost three times as likely to have a hot water bottle injury compared to men.

There were 92 children (aged 14 years and younger) injured by hot water bottles.

Most injuries were to the lower leg (275), chest (128), hand / wrist (120).

Whitaker said people should ensure their hottie has a safety stamp that looks like a daisy.

'We need to ‘Have a Hmmm' before we get ready for bed,” he says.

'For children and our older people, use the bottle to warm the bed, then remove it before the person gets into bed.

ACC research shows 90 per cent of injuries are predictable and therefore preventable.

ACC partners with Safekids Aotearoa to reduce the number and severity of injuries to children at home.

Safekids Aotearoa data shows that burns are a risk in every home, especially from hot water and liquids.

Each week, more than five children are burned severely enough to be admitted to hospital.

'We recommend never using boiling water to fill your hot water bottle because this can cause the bottle to split or leak,” Whitaker says.

'Make sure the top is firmly closed before using. Use a cover or wrap the bottle in a towel before using — this will help prevent burns.”

Whitaker says it's important to check hot water bottles regularly for any splits or perishing. If the bottle is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Fact box – Hot water bottle injuries by the numbers

• Over the past five years, ACC accepted 4593 hot water bottle injury claims at a cost of $3.6 million to help people recover.
• The leading age group for hot water bottle related injuries was 65+ with 223 people (26 percent)
• In 2022, there were 92 children (aged 14 years and younger) hurt in a hot water bottle injury.
• Women were almost three times as likely to have a hot water bottle injured compared to men.