Kidsafe

Kidsafe Victoria today issued a red alert on the danger of television TIP OVERS following the injury of a child yesterday.

A four-year-old girl was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after being knocked unconscious by a wooden television trolley at a child-care centre in Melbourne's north.

Robert Caulfield, President of Kidsafe Victoria said "Modern large plasma televisions can easily tip over; they are heavy with sharp corners and can cause serious injuries to young children".

"In many homes these televisions stand on low modern cabinets within easy reach of small children."

Statistics from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit show that during the period January 2006 - December 2010, children under 10 years of age accounted for over 70% of emergency department presentations for an injury due to a television tip over.

Kidsafe recommends the use of a stand specifically designed for the television as recommended by the manufacturer, or to place the television on sturdy furniture such as a television cabinet that is appropriate for the size of the television.

"Make sure both the stand and television are appropriately secured to the wall and that the television is pushed as far back on the stand as possible, out of a child's reach."

Mr Caulfield said anybody investing in a large television should also consider purchasing products that secure televisions at the same time.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329 201