Schools are the second most frequent location for childhood injuries to occur after the home, accounting for just over 10 percent of all injury presentations
to the Perth Children’s Hospital Emergency Department (PCH ED, formally Princess Margaret Hospital Emergency Department). Between July 2016 and June
2017 there were 1,908 individual presentations to PCH ED by children injured at school. Of these presentations, over 60 percent occurred in primary
school aged children between 5 and 12 years of age.
Falls and blunt forces are common causes of school based injuries that usually occur as part of sport or playground activities. Bumps and grazes are a
normal part of childhood, however there are some injuries that have severe and lasting effects. To help prevent unintentional injuries at school follow
these tips:
- Make sure adequate supervision is provided while children are in the classroom or at play;
- Ensure playground equipment is appropriate for the intended age group and is used appropriately;
- Avoid over-crowding in play areas;
- Promote the use of safety equipment for sporting activities; and
- Check that your school has suitable safety structures and procedures in place.
Kidsafe WA deliver workshops in primary schools to promote safety and injury prevention throughout Western Australia. With the support of ATCO, Kidsafe
WA will be launching the Get Creative about Safety Competition for primary school aged students in Term 3. This will include a Gas Safety
Colouring In and Design a Comic Strip. ATCO owns and operates energy infrastructure, including Western Australia’s largest gas distribution network,
which stretches more than 14,000km across Perth’s greater metropolitan area and regional centres including Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury and Albany.
Did you know that ATCO also provides a free excursion for years 5 and 6 at their purpose built facility, focussing on nutrition and gas safety?
For more information about Kidsafe WA services or the Get Creative about Safety Competition visit www.kidsafewa.com.au.
For information on the ATCO ‘Adventures with Natural Gas Schools Program’ visit http://www.atcogasbfk.com.au/.
Supported by:
