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.

1. 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