The Department of Communities has advised childcare operators to ensure their children are properly protected from burns in high summer temperatures.
In a statement, the Department said it had investigated several incidents where children at childcare centres suffered burns to their hands and feet after coming into contact with hot playground surfaces and equipment.
“In one instance a two-year-old girl sustained burns to her feet when she stepped on either brick pavers or a metal grate that had been directly exposed to the sun,” the Department said.
“The child was not wearing shoes at the time and the burns required medical treatment,” it said.
The Department said the operator was fined $9,000.
“In another incident, three children suffered severe burns to their feet while taking part in an emergency evacuation fire drill, with two of them requiring hospital treatment,” it said.
“Temperatures soared to 35.8°C in Perth that day and the fire drill occurred at 2.30pm.
“Several children aged between 18 and 36 months old were not wearing shoes or socks.
“In this case the childcare provider was fined $15,000.”
Minister for Community Services, Simone McGurk said the summer so far had been scorching and there was still more hot weather on the way.
“As families return from holidays and more children are back attending childcare centres, it’s important to remember how dangerous the sun can be,” Ms McGurk said.
“Most childcare service operators appropriately consider UV exposure, but in addition they must also have clear procedures in place to ensure that play surfaces, play equipment and walkways are checked regularly on hot days,” she said.
Ms McGurk said outside activities should be planned to reduce risk of exposure to hot surfaces, especially in the middle of the afternoon when temperatures peaked.
