Between 2003 and 2005 there were over 150,000 admissions in Malaysian government hospitals due to children’s accidental injuries (aged 0-19 years old). When we think of childhood safety, we need to remember that young children don’t understand the concept of hazards or what is safe or unsafe. Normal physical development, curiosity or boredom will expose young children to hazards in and around the home or school.
We know that children will be exposed to hazards, but we also know injuries can be prevented. By making changes in your home, buying safer products and providing effective adult supervision, you can reduce your child’s potential injuries.
Attached to this post is our Home Safety Checklist. Take a pen with you and walk from room to room in your home or yard. As you go, answer the questions. Remember to look at your home from the eye level of your child. After completion, sit down with your check list and make a “to do” list for improvements starting with the most dangerous hazards first. The following topics are covered in our Home Safety Checklist:
- General Areas & Common Hazards; Burns, suffocation, Falls, Cuts, Stairs, Poisoning, Electricity & Water Safety
- Safety in the Kitchen
- Safety in the Bathroom
- Safety in Common Areas
- Traffic & Pedestrian Safety
See below for a link to the document:
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- Home Safety Inspection Checklist
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- Child Safety in the Home Fact Sheet
Maree has over five years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety and in the development of safety standards, training workshops and improvement initiatives. She is passionate about health, safety and education. Maree, a mother of two children, has a Advanced Diploma in OHS and will be graduating soon with a B.Sc. (HSE) from Australia.
