The Building and Energy division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety is urging parents of young children to be extra vigilant about potential home hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Director of Building and Energy, Saj Abdoolakhan said parents and carers keeping their children out of schools and day-care facilities meant they were often looking after those children all day while juggling working from home and other commitments.
“Many children do not have the maturity or experience to understand hazards and their potential consequences,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“Lack of adult supervision for even a moment can result in disaster,” he said.
He encouraged parents to take a fresh look at risk areas around the home and implement precautions where possible.
One source of potential danger was the backyard swimming pool and spa.
“To help residents gauge the effectiveness of their swimming pool safety barriers, Building and Energy has released a simple checklist covering key aspects of the required measurements, operation and condition for the barriers,” he said.
“There is no substitute for close adult supervision, but simple checks and steps can add an extra layer of protection.”
Mr Abdoolakhan said drowning was one of the leading causes of accidental death for children under the age of five.
“Even in cool weather, keep a close eye on the pool gate to ensure it self-closes properly, it isn’t propped open and it doesn’t have objects nearby that a small child could use to climb over into the pool area,” he said.
“Also speak to older children to help them understand the risks for their younger siblings and never rely on older children to supervise younger children around swimming pools.”
The Building and Energy checklist can be accessed at this PS News link.
