Monday evening on the radio they were discussing Ed Balls new initiative to keep us all safe over Christmas. Of all the things that his government has done that I get upset about, this particular one set my blood boiling, Christ knows why? I see that Holbie has picked up on the same
With such salient advice as those listed below, Balls should go on Mastermind with the specialised subject being "stating the bleeding obvious" ( © Basil Fawlty). Why don't they just f*** off!
Delyth Morgan, Minister for Children, said:
“The festive period is for families to enjoy each others company, gifts and food, so the last thing you want is a trip to the hospital as a result of an accident which with a little thought can be avoided.
“That’s why the leaflet we’ve produced this Christmas will act as a reminder of the small but important things parents can do around the home to make sure Christmas is a time for fun and laughter not tears.”
... take care with candles and games with small pieces as well as being careful with aftershave and perfume and dregs in glasses when young children are around.
... Parents stabbing themselves with scissors they’ve grabbed instead of screwdrivers to assemble toys;
... People cutting themselves with knives they are using to open presents too quickly;
... Children falling off rocking horses or smashing new bikes into walls;
... Tripping over toys and trailing cables in the rush to try out new computers and other appliances;
... Gravy exploding in microwave ovens, hot fat spilled on the cook trying to grapple with a big turkey and nasty cuts when chopping piles of vegetables;
... Tipsy party guests toppling down stairs or crashing to the floor when they miss their seat at the dinner table.
Other mishaps around Christmas time include: about 1,000 people going to hospital after accidents with Christmas trees; another 1,000 hurt by trimmings or when decorating their homes; and 350 hurt by Christmas tree lights -
some people fall while putting them up 
, children swallow the bulbs and others get electric shocks and burns from faulty lights.
Tips included on the leaflet
• Keep toys, games and decorations with small parts out of reach of young children.
• Remember babies and toddlers can choke on small things – including tiny batteries.
• Make sure presents are suitable for your child’s age. And only buy toys from reputable shops.
• Put gifts of perfume and aftershave where toddlers can’t reach them. They contain alcohol that’s harmful if swallowed.
• Check Christmas lights for frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections. Turn them off when you go to bed or go out, as they can short out and start a fire.
• Avoid decorations like baubles that break easily, as the pieces can be very sharp.
• Put candles out of children’s reach, in containers that won’t tip over and aren’t made of plastic. Remember to blow them out before you go to bed.
• Keep candles away from Christmas trees and decorations. And don’t hang decorations from lights and heaters, as they can burn easily.
• Don’t forget your safety routines in all the excitement. Check your smoke alarms are still working.
• Keep young children out of the kitchen while you’re cooking turkey and all the trimmings, to avoid burns and scalds.
• Clear away the last dregs of drinks left in glasses before you go to bed. Small amounts of alcohol can poison young children.
• For more information on keeping your kids safer this Christmas, visit direct.gov.uk/childsafety or capt.org.uk/parents
