A large percentage of society are currently being excluded from using every day household products

Dr Kim Howells, Consumer Affairs Minister

Many disabled people do not have the body strength to twist, pull, lift or balance objects the way able-bodied people do.

A DTI spokesman said many of the coping strategies put disabled people at risk of serious accidents.

"For instance, they may try to move a kettle but because it is too heavy they have to slide it along with their hand and this can result in the kettle falling over and scalding them.

"Other examples, would involve the packaging of tea bags and cheese. Even an able-bodied person may have problems opening these with their hands but a disabled person may resort to using a knife and putting that knife or scissors into their mouth. "

He added: "There are a whole host of things that put them at risk and one of the reasons why the DTI commissioned this report is because we are committed to reducing household accidents."

But the report suggests that simple changes can be made to basic packaging design that would enable more people to be able to use these products safely.

Dr Kim Howells, Consumer Affairs Minister at the DTI, said it was important disabled people's needs were taken into account.

"The report reveals that a large percentage of society are currently being excluded from using every day household products because their needs are not being fully considered in the design stage."

He added: "The report contains a breakdown of the every day activities and consumer products that disabled people find difficult to use and details of their coping strategies.

"I want to help businesses to empower disabled people to have the highest possible quality of life."

Bob Feeney, an expert in product design who carried out the research, said the independence of disabled people was threatened by problems with everyday products.

"Being able to make a cup of tea and iron a shirt are activities which able bodied people take for granted.

"If you make it impossible for disabled people to be able to complete these tasks you take away their ability to be independent."

The DTI has pledged to carry out further research to ensure companies are given information to help them to design products that can be used by disabled people.