ACT issues safety reminder after child falls from height

ACT Issues Safety Reminder After Child Falls From Height

ACT Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius reminds operators of children's play centres to make safety a priority following an incident in which a child suffered minor injuries after falling from height last weekend.

WorkSafe ACT has been notified and is making enquiries into circumstances surrounding the fall.

Duties Owed To Children At Play Centres

"The safety of children must be of the utmost importance for operators of these facilities," Ms Agius said.

"There are duties owed to children at these workplaces, the same duties that are owed to workers under work health and safety laws."

"It is very distressing to know that a child was not kept safe from a significant fall. We wish a speedy recovery to the child and send our best wishes to their family."

Falls From Height Remain A Persistent Concern

"Unfortunately, these incidents are more common than the ACT community realises and can cause much more severe injuries to children than in this case," Ms Agius noted.

Falls from height at recreational facilities can result in serious harm, and operators must treat fall prevention with the same rigour applied on regulated working at height worksites across construction and manufacturing sectors.

What Parents And Carers Should Do

"We urge parents and carers to closely inspect these centres, supervise their children, and notify us where risks to workers or children are not being taken seriously enough," Ms Agius said.

• Inspect play equipment for damage or inadequate fall protection before children begin play
• Supervise children closely, particularly around elevated structures and climbing equipment
• Report unsafe conditions to WorkSafe ACT so appropriate care measures can be enforced
• Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures at each facility in case an incident occurs

Why Health And Safety Compliance Matters For Operators

Operators bear ongoing responsibility for maintaining health and safety standards that protect both children and staff. Proactive care in equipment maintenance, supervision protocols, and emergency response planning reduces the likelihood of falls causing injuries.

Businesses seeking guidance on formalising their obligations can review a Child Protection and Safety Policy to strengthen duty of care commitments, alongside broader workplace health frameworks that apply across children's services and recreational venues.

For organisations managing risks involving young people in other settings, resources such as a Children on Farms SOP demonstrate how tailored procedures support consistent care across diverse environments.

Related Safety Incidents

This incident follows a pattern of concerning falls reported across Australian jurisdictions. Readers may also find these reports relevant:

• SafeWork issues safety warning after young boy falls from scaffolding on NSW construction site
• Safety alert issued after NT worker falls from forklift
• Safety warning issued after VIC worker falls from roof

For further information on this matter, read the full story on the WorkSafe ACT website.