New animations highlight garden risks

New animations highlighting the dangers around the garden and how we can prevent accidents have been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

On average, two people die every week in Northern Ireland because of an accident in the home, and in the drier and hotter weather, and as we approach the summer holidays, people will be spending more time outdoors and in their garden.

With this in mind the PHA has teamed up with partners involved in the delivery of the Home Accident Prevention Strategy to launch new animations focussing on overall garden safety, risks of accidents with garden equipment, dangers of falls and drowning risks.

Janine Gaston, the PHA’s Regional Lead on Home Accident Prevention, said: “While we all like to relax in the garden, accidents can happen, so it’s important that we are all aware of the dangers.

“Accidents can result in pain, injury and sadly sometimes death but there are steps we can take around the garden to help reduce these risks.

“For those with children, it’s important to make sure all play equipment is on a soft flat surface and if you have a trampoline, make sure that it has a safety net and it is only used by one child at a time under supervision.

“A small child can drown in as little as five centimetres of water, so make sure that any garden ponds are fenced off or securely covered, and children are supervised when playing in and around paddling pools and children under five should not go in to a hot tub. Make sure that children aren’t left alone around flames, including barbecues, and keep all poisonous garden products, like weed killer, out of their reach and locked away.

“General garden maintenance like tidying away hosepipes and tools, and fixing loose and uneven paths, can help protect you and your family when enjoying time in the garden.”

Janine continued: “When gardening, wearing the appropriate clothing, and using equipment safely and according to manufacturers’ instructions are also key to avoiding injury. The short animations that the Home Accident Prevention group has produced are so important in highlighting a range of garden risks and importantly what to do to help prevent accidents, so I’d encourage everyone to have a watch.”

All animations and their translations can be found at www.pha.site/GardenSafety with further information on garden safety at www.nidirect.gov.uk/GardenSafety

The PHA commissions all local councils in Northern Ireland to provide the Home Safety Check Scheme. This scheme offers free home safety checks to families with children under five, people aged over 65, and those who are vulnerable. The check offers guidance on all aspects of home safety as well as free safety equipment (equipment subject to a home assessment, eligibility and availability). For contact details of councils in Northern Ireland visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/localcouncils-in-northern-ireland