Background Unintentional injuries in the home account for a significant burden of injury among all age groups. Cutting or piercing injuries are the second leading cause of injury hospitalisation in New Zealand. The impact of injuries at home among young and middle-age adults may have significant implications for both work productivity and family life.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose To explore modifiable risk factors for unintended cutting or piercing injuries at home among 20–64 year olds.

Methods A population-based case-control study was conducted in three regions of New Zealand (August 2008–December 2009). Cases were 356 people aged 20–64 years admitted to hospital in the regions as a result of a non-occupational unintentional cutting or piercing injury at home. Controls were 839 individuals of the same age randomly selected via telephone using a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) system. An interviewer-administered questionnaire elicited data on a range of putative risk and protective factors.

Results/Outcomes After adjustment for major confounders, the risk of cutting or piercing injuries was significantly increased with the consumption of three or more standard alcoholic drinks in the previous 6 h compared with the consumption of none (OR 3.93; 95% CI 1.61 to 9.57); chronic fatigue (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.14); and marijuana use in the past year (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.18 to 4.77).

Significance/Contribution to the Field Interventions that address the risk factors identified are indicated. While the risks associated with drink driving are well recognised, the potential injury risks associated with hazardous drinking at home requires greater attention.