Home Safety Information

Facts and Figures

Over 0.5 million children attend hospitals each year, following accidents in the home. Many more children are injured, but may be treated at home or by their GP. For this reason it is paramount that all parents and those entrusted to look after children must be fully aware of the potential dangers facing a child whilst at home.

In 2003 in the UK 120 children under the age of 15 died as a result of injury or poisoning, within the home.

Accidental injury is recognised as the largest single cause of death for children in the UK.

Falls account for the largest non-fatal injuries to children in the UK. Most are as a result of slips, trips or falls.

Scalds are more common than burns, with the most common factor being a scald from a hot drink.

House fires cause the most fatal home accidents, with 75 children being killed in house fires in the UK in 2003 and a further 2077 being injured in the same year.

In children over 5 years, poisoning accounts for the vast majority of hospital attendances.

There are potential hazards in every room of the house, with the Lounge / Living room / Dining room being the places where most accidents occur. This may be as a direct result of the amount of time the children spend there, with the next most common rooms being the kitchen bedroom and the stairs

General Tips and Advice

Safety in the Kitchen

Cook with saucepan handles turned inwards and use the back rings whenever possible.
Use short or coiled flex for kettles to keep them out of reach.
Always put the iron away after use and never leave the flex dangling.
Ensure knives, glasses and sharp items are kept in drawers or cupboards with child-proof catches.
Keep all household cleaners in a child-proof cupboard, preferably high up.
Always use a safety harness in a highchair, children can stand and fall in seconds.

Lounge Safety

Always use a proper child safety fireguard to keep children away from the fire.
Keep all portable heaters well guarded somewhere where they cannot be knocked over.
Keep hot drinks out of reach, a cup of tea can cause a nasty scald.
Use socket covers on sockets not in use, to prevent electric shocks.
Keep low furniture out of the centre of the room, to prevent knocks and bumps.
Replace low level glass in doors, windows and furniture with safety glass if possible, or cover it with safety film.

Safety on the Stairs

Always use a stair gate at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent a nasty fall.
Board up horizontal banisters, a toddler can climb up and fall over.
Teach children to put toys away, being tidy will reduce the risk of falls.
Keep the front door locked to prevent a toddler disappearing.

Tips on Nursery Safety

Don't put chairs or tables underneath windows, children may climb up and fall out.
Do not give babies pillows, they may suffocate.
Check toys to ensure they have no small or broken pieces which can choke a baby.
Don't give a baby a toy intended for an older child, it may have dangerous small pieces.
Remove potential footholds, like bumpers and toys from cots, a child can climb out and fall.

Safety Tips in the Bathroom

Never leave a baby alone in the bath, babies can drown in only a few inches of water in seconds.
If you must leave the bathroom quickly, take the baby with you.
Run cold water before hot in the bath to avoid scalding.
Keep the nappy bucket closed and out of reach to avoid the risks of infection and drowning.
Keep medicines and pills locked away in the cupboard, preferably high up.

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