Children ’s Health C h i l d Sa fe t y and Injury As a parent, it’s natural to fear for the wellbeing our young ones every day - what challenges or potentials risks could they encounter beyond the familiar boundaries of the backyard fence? Whether it’s the local playground, swapping lunches with class mates or the snarling dog down the street, parents are concerned about the safety of our kids. But our own homes and peaceful neighbourhood streets can harbour a multitude of dangers that escape a watchful eye, even though we consider these ‘safe zones’. Without diligent inspection, management and prevention of home and neighbourhood risks, our children are still at an equally high risk of serious injury. According to Kids Safe Australia (2011), 67 percent of child injuries occur in the home, eight percent occur in somebody else’s home (relative, friend) and seven percent on roads and footpaths. That’s a lot of our comfort area to re-evaluate, but with the right information, assistance and attitude to improving the safety and security of our kids, the necessary adaptations to the home and daily rules will be as easy as one, two, three. Prevention is the key Like workplace health and safety risks that adults manage and avoid day-to-day, risks in the home are caused by hazards, which fortunately we can control. Every danger begins with a hazard, and the quicker we discover them, the quicker we can assure the safety of the kids, and avoid having to follow them into every room on their daily adventures. Make 54 Pindara Magazine Summer | 2014/15
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Three
To see the actual publication please follow the link above