Kidsafe Victoria e-news November-December 2013

Remember child safety this Christmas!

We’re not sure how it got here so fast, but Christmas is just around the corner! If Santa is leaving your child a bike, scooter, skateboard or roller blades under the Christmas tree this year, make sure that he doesn’t forget to leave them all of the necessary safety gear as well!

Helmets are an important part of safety equipment as they protect children’s heads if they do have a fall. When purchasing a helmet for your child, make sure it complies with the Australian Standard – there should be a sticker or marking to show you that the helmet does comply. It is also important that you chose a helmet that is the right size for your child’s head. The helmet should fit them snugly and should not tilt back, forward or side to side.

It is a great idea to involve your child in picking their helmet and other safety gear – they are more likely to want to wear them if they like them.

For more information on wheeled device safety and choosing a helmet for your child, please visit the following links:
http://dev.kidsafevic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/attachments/QAhelmetchoice.pdf
http://dev.kidsafevic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/attachments/Kidsafe%20factsheet%20Children%20on%20Wheels.pdf

And remember….. if mum and dad are going to test out the kids new toys on Christmas day, they also need to have the right safety gear on!

Name Our Newsletter Competition!

Congratulations to Madeline Wilson whose entry was chosen as the winner of the name our newsletter competition. From 2014 the Kidsafe Victoria newsletter will be known as the ‘Safety Feed’.

Thank you to everyone who entered, there were some very creative suggestions and it was a very tough choice picking a winner. Stay tuned to our newsletter next year for more competitions and prizes!

11th Australasian Injury Prevention & Safety Promotion Conference

Kidsafe Victoria recently attended the 11th Australasian Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Conference which was held in Fremantle.

Melanie Courtney, Kidsafe Victoria Executive Officer and Jason Chambers, Kidsafe Victoria Project Manager, delivered presentations on two of Kidsafe Victoria’s most recent projects, ‘Safety for Our Little Fellas’ and ‘Elmo Stays Safe’.

The conference provided a great opportunity to catch up on all of the latest injury prevention information, statistics and programs from Australia and internationally.

Play it Safe by the Water this Summer

Summer is here and that means spending the warm afternoons by the water in an attempt to keep cool. Whether you are relaxing by your home pool or heading for a family trip to the beach, it is important you always Play it safe by the Water.

Summer is the perfect time to check your backyard pool and spa area to ensure that it is safe. Visit our website at www.kidsafevic.com.au/safety/outdoor-safety/pool-fence-safety to access a range of information, including Life Saving Victoria’s Home Pool Safety Assessment tool, which can help you keep your pool or spa area safe.

Product Recalls

Home Ideas Products

The following Home Ideas Products have been recalled due to various hazards:

• Musical Birthday Sparkling Candle
• Bowman Bow and Arrow Set
• Marksman Bow and Arrow Toy Game Series
• Toy Target Game Bow and Arrow Set
• Musical Instrument Keyboard Set
• Strong Heroes and Special Force Heroes Projectile Toys
• Shooting Game Projectile Toy Set

If you have purchased one of these products, please contact Home Ideas Products on (03) 9311 5571 to arrange for an exchange or full refund. For more information on the products involved, please visit www.recalls.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=1053754&nodeId=78950a05d24cd3b698710562e366fe1b&fn=Home%20Ideas%20Products%20-%20Banned%20Goods%20Recall%20Notice.pdf

Downee—Top Pull Gate Latch (DPL1000)

The magnet may detach from the gate and allow the gate to stay open. If the gate does not close, children may gain access to unsafe areas such as swimming pools.

Consumers should contact Downee to obtain a replacement striker with installation instructions and/ or to arrange with Downee for a tradesperson to attend their site and install the replacement part.

For further information please contact Downee via email at safetyfirst@downee.com.au or phone (03) 9300 5153.

Gacha Merchandising Service—Sponge Bob Square Pants Yo-Yo Balls

These types of products are banned under Consumer Protection Notice 20 of 2011 because the elastic cords can wind around a child’s neck and pose a choking hazard.

Consumers who have purchased this product should stop using them immediately and contact the company on via 0414586852 to organise a return.