WorkSafe ACT has issued a safety alert about children’s play centres after a child fell from a significant height at a local centre and suffered minor injuries over the Easter long weekend.

In a media statement last night, WorkSafe ACT advised that “appropriate enquiries are being undertaken by the inspectorate on this matter”.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, expressed her shock at this incident and offers her sympathy to the child and the family.

“The safety of children must be of the utmost importance for operators of these facilities. There are duties owed to children at these workplaces, the same duties that are owed to workers. It is very distressing to know that a child was not kept safe from a significant fall. I wish a speedy recovery to the child and my best wishes to their family,” Ms Agius said.

“Unfortunately, these incidents are more common than the ACT community realises and can cause much more severe injuries to children than in this case. We urge parents and carers to closely inspect these centres and supervise their children and notify us where risks to workers or children are not being taken seriously enough.”

In the media statement, WorkSafe ACT said it “is aware that some businesses ask parents or carers to sign a waiver that states the parent or carer is responsible for the supervision and safety of the child using the centre; under the WHS laws this is not correct. Persons conducting a business or undertaking have a duty to ensure that workers and others at the workplace are not exposed to risks to their health and safety, this includes children at the premises. PCBUs must also report all incidents such as falls from heights to WorkSafe ACT, even if they do not result in injury. They must also ensure that they provide their workers with adequate training, instruction and supervision and have sufficient and current First Aid training and a current Working with Vulnerable People card.”

Commissioner Agius urged parents and carers not to assume that play centres are safe just because they are in a business environment.

“Like any workplace, operators of children’s play centres must fulfil their WHS obligations. Falls from height, even if they have not resulted in injury, are notifiable incidents and must be reported to WorkSafe ACT,” she said.  

If parents or carers have concerns about the safety of children in any workplace, including play centres, they can contact WorkSafe ACT directly by phoning 13 22 81:

• 7am-8pm Monday to Friday
• 8am-5pm weekends

WorkSafe ACT has issued a Safety Alert relating to Children’s Play Centres