Think Child Safe for Windows and Balconies
Fair Trading urges all NSW consumers, whether parents or carers of young children, landlords of rented residential premises or real estate property managers, to be aware of the risks associated with children playing close to open windows or unattended on balconies.
Each year around 8,000 children are taken to hospital as a result of a fall, including approximately 50 who have fallen from a window or balcony. For a small number of children, this will be fatal.
Falls occur more often in the warmer months when families leave windows and doors to balconies open both during the day and at night. Children aged from one to five years are most at risk as they are naturally curious but lack the ability to recognise danger. They can fall out of a window which is open more than 10cm, even if a flyscreen is present.
Preventing falls is particularly relevant today with many families choosing to rent in medium to high rise developments where unsupervised or unsecured windows and balconies could be dangerous to curious children. There are a few simple and straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of a fall injury to children in the home.
Information about the steps you can take is available in a Think child safe brochure or poster. Free copies of both items can be ordered from Shop NSW or by calling 13 32 20.