As we welcome the positive change that a New Year brings, we are also saddened by the recent bushfire events that are sweeping our country. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted and we extend our thanks to the brave and tireless firefighters and volunteers who give so much to help keep us safe.
Hopefully you had a relaxing break with family and friends and are transitioning from holiday mode back into the routine of work and school preparations – or still enjoying the summer break. Either way, we encourage you to take extra care on the roads as you embark on summer road trips and to be mindful around water as you enjoy quality time cooling off by swimming pools or the beach with your family.
We have a big year planned, so make sure you have liked our facebook page and visit our new website for regular updates.
Be Aware and Take Care Around School Zones
Can you believe it’s almost time to dig out the forgotten uniforms and lunchboxes, as Victorian students prepare to return to school after nearly six weeks of summer holidays?
Back to school time means that there will be lots of excited children around roads, car parks and driveways, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Child pedestrians are at an increased risk of injury on and around roads, so it’s important that we take some steps to help keep them safe and teach them about becoming safe pedestrians.
To help ease you back into the school routine both smoothly and safely, we have put together some practical tips for road and pedestrian safety:
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- >Slow down and be extra vigilant around school zones – school speed limits will be back in action so it’s important to look out for road signs advising speed reductions during school hours.
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- >Drop your children off and pick them up on the school side of the road in your school’s designated drop-off and pick-up area. Never call out to children from across the road – they may run to you without checking for traffic.
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- >Children should be seated in a child restraint or booster seat that is correct for their size/age, correctly installed into the vehicle and adjusted to fit them properly on every trip, no matter how long or short.
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- >If you have to leave the car – take all children with you. Never leave children in a car without adult supervision for any length of time, not even a minute.
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- >All vehicles have blind spots which can make it difficult to see a child when reversing. Reversing sensors and cameras can help to reduce blind spots, however they should never be relied upon on their own to keep children safe.
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- >Actively supervise children when near traffic, especially when crossing the road.
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- >Set a good example by always using a designated school or pedestrian crossing to cross the road. Teach children to “Stop, Look, Listen and Think” before crossing the road and explain what this means.
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- >If your child is using either a scooter or a bike to get to school, ensure that they are using appropriate protection equipment such as helmets and wrist, elbow and knee guards.
For more information about road and pedestrian safety, please click here
Pool Barriers Help Save Lives – but only if they are maintained and used correctly
If you are a pool or spa owner, you may be wondering what the new swimming pool and spa barrier laws mean for you and what you can do to make sure your barrier is safe.
The new laws, which came into effect on the 1st of December last year, have introduced mandatory registration and inspection requirements for all pools and spas in Victoria. The first step in the process will be to register your pool or spa with your local council by the 1st June 2020 – you can find out more about the registration process by visiting your local council’s website. You will also be required to organise for an inspection and certificate of compliance for your barrier once every four years – the Victorian Building Authority website has some further information on this process, including dates that compliance certificates must be lodged by.
Pool barriers are exposed to the rain, hail and shine all year round, which means that they will experience wear and tear over time including rust, missing bolts or screws and gaps in or under the barrier caused by ground movement. That’s why we recommend that you regularly undertake a check of your barrier and perform maintenance as required – doing this regularly will not only help to keep children safe, it will also help to ensure that you are prepared when it comes time for your four yearly certificate of compliance.
A great place to start is by checking for a few common faults/non-compliance issues, including that:
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- >All gates and doors that lead into the pool area are self closing and self latching
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- >Your safety barrier is free of gaps, holes or spaces that a child could get through
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- >The area surrounding your pool barrier is free from climbable objects (eg BBQ’s, tree stumps, chairs etc)
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- >Your pool gate is never propped open.
Further information and advice to help you keep your pool or spa area safe – including handy pool and spa barrier checklists – can be accessed via our website.
Our friends at Safetech Hardware Australia have also established a pool maintenance reminder which allows you to register and receive reminders and useful resources to help you complete a home pool self assessment.
And remember, together with a compliant pool barrier that is regularly checked and maintained, your home pool defence should also include active adult supervision of children in and around water, water familiarisation and first aid knowledge, to keep your family safe.
G
et your free ticket to the Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo
Come and see us at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 February 2020 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. We will be there in a newly fitted out home safety hub,handing out free safety resources and answering all of your child safety questions.
Head to the website now to get your hands on your free ticket and save $20. We’d love to see you there!
Make a splash this summer and visit the SPASA Pool & Spa Expo
Are you looking for some inspiration or advice on backyard pools, spas or outdoor living products? Check out the upcoming SPASA Vic Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living on from 31st Jan – 2nd Feb.
Visit the website now to purchase discounted tickets or buy at the door. We’ll be there to answer all of your pool safety questions with our friends at Life Saving Victoria and the Victoria Building Authority.
Are you an experienced Program Manager?
Looking for a career change? We are seeking a highly organised and proactive individual with a ‘can do’ attitude to join our small team to develop, implement and manage projects and programs promoting child injury prevention.
Does this sound like you? For more information please visit https://tinyurl.com/vvwfxs5.
Safe play doesn’t have to be boring!
Play is an important part of being a kid; it helps children to develop physical strength, coordination and balance, while also providing them with opportunities to learn and develop social skills and their imagination.
Injuries can occur during play which means that safety precautions do need to be taken into consideration. However, safe play does not have to mean boring! Play should provide children with a fun and exciting experience that allows them to explore and challenge themselves.
The safe play hub in our community support centre, which is proudly supported by our friends at Tiny Hearts, has a range of info and advice to help you set up safe and fun play experiences for your children. For more information and advice on safe play, please visit our website or drop by our office and check out the safe play hub!
Product Recalls
Tobil & Co Pty Ltd — iCandy Peach 2018 Pram
The pram bumper bar may be missing a plastic cap in the hinge, exposing a small hole when the bumper is hinged back. This can pose an entrapment hazard.
For further information, please click here.
DK Choices Pty Ltd — Toy Train
The product does not meet the requirements of the mandatory standard for children up to and including 36 months of age. The product may break, releasing small parts which can pose a choking or suffocation hazard for young children.
For further information, please click here.
