Children's Safety

Children, especially those aged 0-4 years are over represented in terms of injury in our community.

In considering injury data collected since 1991 from Latrobe Regional Hospital - close examination reveals that children are most at risk of injury.

The most common place for an injury to occur is in the home (just under 50% of all injury in Latrobe occur at home).

0-4 year olds need care around water, nursery furniture, beds, chairs, pets, tables, baby walkers and bunk beds. They generally suffer more head and face injuries that older age groups.

5-9 year olds due to their physical development tend to climb and fall. Children under the age of 10 need close supervision in traffic - as cyclists or pedestrians.

10-14 year olds tend to suffer from fractures - many of these occur in recreational and sports settings.

Latrobe City undertakes to highlight the prevention of children's injuries, detailed information is available from our Maternal and Child Health services, various Day Care settings and by parent education and environmental design.

Latrobe City also provides staff at a Traffic Safety Education facility for school groups - this provides a focus on early years, bicycle skills, school and family involvement in promoting traffic safety - the facility is available for schools, families and groups.

Take care with children and model safe behaviour at all times. Fit the correct child restraint whilst travelling, protect from the sun in summer and always use close supervision.