The WA Consumer Product Advocacy Network collaboratively develops a research report on a product safety concern each year. This year, the WA CPAN group focussed on Product-related burn injuries using the Perth Children’s Hospital Emergency Department data from July 2018 to June 2023.

Burn injuries are a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality rates worldwide1,2. Globally, burn injuries remain a significant public health issue that affects young children yearly3. Due to children having a curious nature, slower reaction rates and lower risk calculation skills, they are predisposed to higher incidence rates of sustaining a burn injury1.

The report identified all product-related burn injuries that occurred to West Australian Children between the ages of 0 and 15 years old. From July 2018 to June 2023, there were 2,539 presentations to PCH ED. The report highlighted that children under the age of five are most at risk of a product-related burn.

To prevent these injuries, here are some things you can do:

• Identify products in your home that could cause burns and restrict access to children.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using products – keeping the safety information provided in mind.
• Keep children out of the kitchen while preparing meals. Use rear hot plates first, and turn pot handles to the back of the stove or bench.

To find out more preventative tips, you can read the full report at www.kidsafewa.com.au/professionals/wa-consumer-product-advocacy-network/