Injuries to New Zealanders participating in adventure tourism and adventure sports: an analysis of Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claims.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of adventure tourism and adventure sports activity in injury claims made to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).


METHODS
Epidemiological analysis of ACC claims for the period, July 2004 to June 2005, where adventure activities were involved in the injury.


RESULTS
18,697 adventure tourism and adventure sports injury claims were identified from the data, representing 28 activity sectors. Injuries were most common during the summer months, and were most frequently located in the major population centres. The majority of injuries were incurred by claimants in the 20-50 years age groups, although claimants over 50 years of age had highest claims costs. Males incurred 60% of all claims. Four activities (horse riding, mountain biking, tramping/hiking, and surfing) were responsible for approximately 60% of all adventure tourism and adventure sports-related injuries. Slips, trips, and falls were the most common injury initiating events, and injuries were most often to the back/spine, shoulder, and knee.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest the need to investigate whether regulatory intervention in the form of codes of practice for high injury count activities such as horse riding and mountain biking may be necessary. Health promotion messages and education programs should focus on these and other high-injury risk areas. Improved risk management practices are required for commercial adventure tourism and adventure sports operators in New Zealand if safety is to be improved across this sector.
Bentley
Tim
T
Department of Management and International Business Massey University, Auckland. T.A.Bentley@massey.ac.nz
Macky
Keith
K
Edwards
Jo
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000191:economics / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007344:Insurance Claim Reporting / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007351:Insurance, Liability / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000191:economics / Q000293:injuries; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012865:Skiing / Q000191:economics / Q000293:injuries; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000453:epidemiology