Stick to carpet

Thousands of people are ending up in hospital after slipping on trendy wood floors says a new survey.

Latest figures show the DIY craze for the laminate boarding has seen accidents soar from 2,900 in 1998 to 12,300 in 2007. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said most of the mishaps were caused by walking about barefoot or in socks.

A spokesman advised homeowners to put down non-slip mats or wear shoes with extra grip and to avoid spilling liquid on the veneer planks as it cannot be absorbed.

The number of people hurt on micro-scooters has also shot up since the fad swept Britain two years ago, the RoSPA survey also showed.

Changing cooking habits led to a rise in microwave-related injuries from 1,800 to 2,700? half involving burns caused by hot liquids.

A total of 2.7million people were hurt in accidents in the home and 2.8million slipped up outdoors.

Children had the most accidents with more than 900,000 kids under five injured.

But a quarter fewer youngsters suffered suspected poisoning.

On the wackier side, 700 people were hurt by trouser zips and another 8,500 came a cropper on high-heeled and platform shoes.

Mind how you go now!