Child Safety
& Health

In response to the alarming rise in A&E admissions of children under 5 due to unintentional injuries in the Burnley & Hyndburn area, we are committed to providing essential child safety information to our community.

Child Safety In The Community

Our goal is to help parents and caregivers keep their children safe with practical tips on preventing common hazards.

Ensuring the safety of children is a top priority, and being aware of common hazards can help prevent accidents. These include dog bites, burns and scalds, poisons and swallowing, choking, road safety, falls, and button batteries.

Essential Tips for Child Safety at Home

Last year, over 1,700 children were admitted to hospital with dog bites
91% of bites to children happen at home with a dog they know
Close supervision
Know your dog’s triggers
Separate a child and a dog if you know you can’t watch them
Use a safety gate if necessary
Don’t forget that dogs can bite
Dogs Trust and RSPCA have fantastic information and the Dog Trusts have a free booklet and ‘Living happily together’ masterclass on line.

Nearly half of all severe burns occur in children under the age of 2, and 70% of serious burns affect children under 5 years old.
Burns & Scalds are most likely to happen in the home with small children having thinner and more delicate skin.
Children are learning to reach and grab
Heated hair straighteners can heat up to 235* and are still hot when cooling down. Keep hot hair appliances out of reach and place them in a heat-proof pouch or out of reach to cool down.
Keep hot drinks on a high surface that children can’t reach, a hot drink can scald a small child 15 minutes after it’s been made.

Children have narrow airways and are still learning to chew, breath and swallow.
Cut food into strips and stay with children when they’re eating.
Get children to sit still when they’re eating.
List of some foods to avoid – Round hard sweets/lollipops (including mini-eggs).
Whole grapes, globs of peanut butter can seal the airway, popcorn can easily get stuck, Marshmallows and jelly cubes can seal the airway as get sticky when wet.
Small objects and toys for children under 36 months, make sure they are made to correct safety standards and don’t have small parts.

Car Seats – Ensure the car seat is the correct fit. Children who are under 12 years old and shorter than 135 cm must use the correct child seat or booster seat that is suitable for their weight and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Children over 12 years old and 135cm must wear a seat belt
Crossing the road – Children tend to copy adults, encourage stop, look, listen and hold children’s hands tightly.
Always use a helmet when using a bike/scooter.

Button batteries might seem small and harmless, but they pose significant dangers, especially to young children. These tiny batteries can be easily swallowed and if it gets stuck in their food pipe, can badly hurt or kill a small child.
Store button batteries in a safe place, up high and out of reach of children.
Look around your home for button batteries, think remotes, lights and toys.
If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery, go straight to A&E or call an 999 for an ambulance.

Child Safety & Accident Prevention Toolkit

We’re offering a fantastic Child Safety & Accident Prevention Toolkit for parents, packed with invaluable tips on preventing burns and scalds, dog-related injuries, poisoning/swallowing hazards, choking, road safety, falls, and button battery dangers. Our leaflet also includes a helpful section with links to trusted resources like the Child Accident Prevention Trust, ICON Cope, and The Lullaby Trust. For more information on Child Safety in the Community, please contact us. Your child’s safety is our priority!

Become a Volunteer Community Health Champion and help us spread this vital campaign! Your support can make a significant difference in raising awareness and preventing unintentional injuries among children.

Download our toolkit

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If you’d like us to visit your setting or playgroup to give a presentation to parents and carers, please contact us. Together, we can create a safer community for our children.

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