10 ways your bank holiday could land you in hospital

Research by RAC Breakdown shows that motorists are planning 18million trips this weekend - a rise of 1.8million compare to the same period last year.

For those heading to the coast, as well as packing your swimming costume, sun cream, flip flops and brollies, this year's must have Staycation accessories includes an obligatory face mask and gloves.

But despite the new normal, some things remain the same whether home or abroad with dangers lurking around every corner for the unwary holidaymaker.

For most of us the worst we come home with is a bit of sunburn or a cold but for others catastrophic injuries from accidents can change their lives forever.

And with hotels in the Lake District and costal resorts like Devon, Cornwall Scarborough, Skegness, Torquay and Bournemouth bursting at the seams there are more risks than ever as stressed out workers are unable to maintain typical maintenance schedules.

It is the perfect mix of people, crowds and hazards such as slippery floors which could be a recipe for disaster.

Travel expert Nick Harris, a partner at Simpson Millar solicitors, said: "This year everyone is more stressed than ever about work and Covid but just taking your eye off the ball for a second could have lifetime consequences.

"The day you arrive and leave your bank holiday weekend break are the most dangerous times for getting into trouble and having a serious accident as people can let their guard down as parents are tired and children are overexcited. "People need to know whilst their minds are focussed on coronavirus hygiene measures, there can be equally as dangerous hazards at every turn.

"Slips and trips may seem harmless but they cause life changing injuries to tourists every year. "Holidaymakers can also get bitten badly by bedbugs or fall down the stairs and people regularly suffer from injuries whilst using faulty electrical sockets and irons in poorly managed hotel rooms. Badly maintained swimming pools can also cause all kind of illnesses to spread and can cause burns if incorrect chemicals or the wrong amount are used.

"This year because of the number of us opting for a Staycation the risks are even greater and it is feared that hotels will not be able to safely cope with the unprecedented number of tourists.

"People falling on wet floors can cause serious injury and are often caused by spilt drinks, leaks or floor cleaning. Hotels in the UK are traditionally good at preventing accidents from occurring, but as they reach and exceed their usual capacity, the fear is that many hotels might overlook general maintenance standards.

"Many hotels are now providing free anti-bacterial gel but this is lethally slippy when it gets on the floor in reception or by the pool especially when wearing flip flops and a fall could easily land you with a lifelong injury.

"Some victims of falls in the past have ended up in a wheelchair with a damaged back or spine. Others suffer from nasty fractures and sprains. Luckily people who have been injured in an accident have up to three years to get legal assistance.

"We encounter all manner of serious injuries suffered by people staying in everything from budget B&B style accommodation to exclusive 5 star hotels and holiday parks and resorts.

"Now more than ever people need to keep their wits about them to prevent them and their families ending up in hospital.”

Nick Harris has compiled a handy list of the TEN most common accidents and dangers which put hundreds of holidaymakers into A&E both home and abroad and how to avoid them.

Here's what to look out for this bank holiday weekend

FALL ON STAIRS

Every year many people end up with serious injuries after falling on stairs while away from home. Problems usually include old threadbare carpets that trip people up or wet uncarpeted stairs going up to rooms from the reception.

Poorly maintained handrails also catch out the unwary as well as poorly lit stairways. Make sure you take your time walking and test the handrails before putting your full weight on them.

SLIP IN SHOWER

People don't think twice about taking a shower at home but in a strange bathtub it can be very easy to lose your footing and have a nasty accident.

When you get to reception ask them for a bathmat and if there isn’t one available take extra care getting in and out of the bath. If the floor is slippy make sure you put a towel on the floor when you step out.

SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENTS

There can be dangers everywhere with a poorly maintained pool which often happens in busy periods.

People can slip on the sides of the pool on slippy or cracked tiles and kids get their hands caught in grilles in the pool. You can also get sick from bugs in the water if not enough chlorine has been used.

Faulty ladders can also catch people out while getting in and out of the pool or broken tiles on the pool floor can cut your feet.

Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and watch out for a dirty film or algae at the edge of pool and look at the bottom to check for broken tiles. Also take your time going to and from the pool as one little slip could put you in hospital.

COOKING ACCIDENTS

Many Brits choose to go self catering and hire out apartments in hotels while away or rent a cottage making them vulnerable to burns scalds, or shocks from poorly wired sockets or maintenance appliances. Cookers and kettles need to be watched.

Make sure when you arrive you check the appliances before using them for the first time.

FIRE INCIDENTS

There have been cases in the past where tourists have died in fires but thankfully they are now rare.

But with all the technology that the average family holidays with now chargers could be a fire risk. Mobile phone chargers and e-cig chargers have caught fire while charging so make sure you don't leave any items plugged in when you are not in the room.

FALL IN RESTAURANT

Floors in restaurants are often smooth as they are designed to be easily cleaned if food or drink is spilt. But this also means they can be extra slippy when liquid or food is on them. This year there is the added risk of antibacterial gel.

Some restaurants are carpeted but this can be frayed making a trip hazard which can lead to a nasty fall. When arriving or leaving your table keep an eye on the floor at all times to avoid any spillages or worn bits of carpet.

LIFT ACCIDENTS

People are at risk when they are getting in and out of lifts especially when they are busy. As people have to push through crowds and are in a hurry to get out that's when they can fall over or get caught in the lift closing on them.

CARBON MONOXIDE

This is mainly a problem when renting out cottages or self catering apartments but also has happened in hotels. It often happens when the boiler has been poorly maintained putting you at risk of poisoning. This gas is colourless, odourless and tasteless so the only way to keep safe us to pack a portable carbon monoxide tester which lets you know if there is any of the gas present.

GLASS ACCIDENT

 This can happen anywhere in a holiday let or self catering apartment or even in the bar, restaurant or room. If you accidentally bump into non conforming glass and it shatters this can disfigure you or your children for life. Or a poorly manufactured drunk glass could hatter in your hand causing a nasty injury.

So take care when handling glasses and when near glass doors.

BALCONY FALLS

Just like abroad some hotels in the UK have balconies and can be a fall risk to people, especially children if they lean too near the edge or climb on them.

Make sure no child goes on them unaccompanied and keep any sliding doors closed and locked to prevent access.