Ensuring Home Safety for

Children and Where to Start

Perth City Glass

Unit 3, 30 Biscayne Way

Jandakot WA 6164

Australia

(08) 9417 5582

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The home should be a sanctuary—a refuge from all the possible harm

that can be sustained outside. Statistics in Australia show, however that

the home is second only to the open roads when it comes to locations of

harm and even accidental death.

The Danger in Home Accidents

Every year, 33 percent of all accidents occur within the confines of a

home. Thousands of Australians encounter injuries and are hospitalised

after meeting accidents at home. Between 2008 and 2009, domestic

accidents accounted for more than 29,000 presentations at casualty

departments in Victoria.

Many incidents were reported to be the result of horseplay involving

shoving, pushing and wrestling. Being pushed or pulled over heavy

objects such as furniture and televisions also contributed to the high

number of child accidents at home. But one of the top causes for

children’s injury and mortality is falling.

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Falling Beats Disease

The biggest single cause of death in Australian children after their first

birthday is not disease but injury. In NSW alone, statistics project that

about 1,300 children will have to go to hospital for emergency while 350

children will be hospitalised. One or two of them will die. Approximately

50 children a year fall from a window or balcony.

Around 10 Australian children die

annually as a result of falls.

Windows, balconies and the top of

a flight of stairs are the most

common reasons. Falls are the

most common causes of domestic

accidents, accounting for 44

percent of all paediatric accidents.

Most fall accidents involve tripping

over on the same level, but the more

serious consequences result from

trips between two levels, such as a

high chair or a bed. A child sustains

the worst injuries after falling from a

great height or landing and on

something hard, sharp or hot.

Home Injuries are Preventable

60 percent of preventable incidents occur in the home. This concern can be

addressed by installing strong balustrades that does not have footholds for

climbing. Stairs must also be well lit and maintained. Tripping hazards must

also be removed and the windows must be free from any climbing furniture.

One must never be too complacent when it comes to implementing safety at

home. Starting with fixture and furniture, the family’s safety can be secured,

especially since the children are always at risk for a number of injuries.

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RESOURCES:

http://www.perthcityglass.com.au/balustrading

https://www.propertysafe.com.au/wp-

content/uploads/2013/10/Injuries-Occur-in-the-Home.pdf

http://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/child-safety/accidents-

to-children/#falls