Backyard Safety
 The most common place for childhood injuries is in and around the home, with the majority occurring in the backyard. Children spend more time outdoors during the warmer months and therefore the risk of injury in the backyard increases. Backyard accidents can easily be avoided and by following some simple safety tips, families can ensure a safer summer.
Backyard Safety Checklist
* Ensure your backyard is secured with a fence with a self-locking gate to prevent young children escaping into the street.
* Play equipment should be placed over a soft fall surface with a recommended 2m-fall zone around it.
* Cover garden ponds with wire mesh that is strong enough to hold the weight of a young child and high enough above the surface of the water to keep their faces out of the water.
* Store all flammable liquids, plants, chemicals and garden dusts out of reach of children, preferably locked away.
* Garden tools should not be left plugged in or running and should be stored out of children’s reach.
* Tree branches that overhang or might break should be removed.
* Ladders should not be left where a child can climb them or where they can fall over.
* Regularly check playground equipment to ensure it is safe for children.
* Ensure lawn is mowed to prevent falls and trips.
* Ensure slippery surfaces are kept dry and encourage children to be careful and not run on hard surfaces.
* If you own a trampoline be aware of the potential for injury related to playing on it, set rules and only allow one child to jump at a time.
* Supervise children carefully when they are in and around the pool, keep gates shut and make sure they adhere to your rules.
* Always keep a well-stocked first aid kit, including Elastoplast Fabric Strips, in the home.
It is estimated that nearly 1 in 3 Australian households do not have an adequate first aid kit which is why Elastoplast has joined with handyman and father of one Rob Palmer (from Channel Seven’s Better Homes and Gardens) in an important safety campaign encouraging parents to play it safe this summer and stock up on the necessary products for the home first aid kit.
You can get this handy Elastoplast First Aid Kit for $24.83 from
Thexton - Australia's Number One Health & Fitness Store Online
Information for this article is courtesy of Kidsafe and St John's Ambulance |