The Department of Communities has reminded childcare operators of the dangers of hot liquids around children following a string of incidents recently in which children suffered serious burns.
According to the Department, June is National Burns Awareness Month and as the weather becomes colder, operators need to ensure they are on alert for hazards.
Minister for Community Services, Simone McGurk said burn injuries can have life-long physical and psychological consequences for children and they are incredibly distressing for the children involved, their families and staff.
“The dangers of using hot water near children are well known, and hot water should not be used in an activity at an education and care service in any circumstances,” Ms McGurk said.
“Childcare services are ultimately responsible for the actions of their educators and staff under the national law, and they need to ensure their staff are trained in the appropriate practices,” she said.
“The State Government acknowledges and is grateful for the hard work of early childhood educators and centres who do the right thing when it comes to keeping children safe.
Ms McGurk said that over the past year three childcare services had been prosecuted due to an 11-month-old boy suffering burns after a bucket filled with boiling hot water was left on the floor of a childcare service and he tipped it onto himself; A 16-month-old boy having hot tea spelt on him after an educator left a travel mug on a surface within the child’s reach; and A five-year-old girl sustained second degree burns when she was splashed with hot water during a playdough-making activity.
“The State Government regularly investigates and prosecutes operators who do the wrong thing,” Ms McGurk said.
“Operators who flout the rules face hefty fines, and even suspension.”
She said the Department of Communities carries out spot checks to make sure operators are compliant and it also supports the sector by providing information to assist operators deliver safe environments for children in their care.
“The Department of Communities is also able to suspend services from operating if it finds that children have been put at serious risk,” the Minister said.
