Did you know that more children die each year in Canada from preventable injuries than from all diseases combined? This is why we at BC Children's Hospital are interested not only in treating injuries, but in preventing them. Many injuries don't just happen: they are not "accidents". Most injuries are predictable and preventable. In fact, up to 90% of all injuries can be prevented!
When you're enjoying the many activities Springtime has to offer, keep these safety tips for children in mind.
Children are curious and will climb on items to look out of windows. Window screens will not keep a child inside, they are designed to keep bugs outside. When opening windows, ensure they are opened no more than 10 cm (4 inches), as a child can fall out of a window only 12 cm wide. Lock windows at 10 cm to prevent them from being opened wider or install window guards (and know how to open them in the event of a fire). Move furniture away from under windows. See BC Children's media release for more helpful tips about windows and balconies.
Before heading out to the playground this spring, have a look at Parachute's (formerly Safe Kids Canada) guidelines for safe playgrounds.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety tips when spring cleaning.
Learn about trampolines from the Canadian Pediatric Society. For more information, please see the joint position statement developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Injury Prevention Committee and Healthy Active Living Committee and the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine.
Updated on: May 16, 2013
Did you know that everyone holding a garage sale is legally responsible for ensuring items sold are safe and meet safety standards? If you are holding a garage sale to pass on baby's nursery equipment this spring, see Health Canada's "Facts for Garage Sale Vendors" .Are you planning to check out garage sales for baby items this Spring? Know the risks before you go. See Health Canada's Information for Shoppers of Second-hand products.