Safety warning after kids fall into septic tanks in the NT

NT WorkSafe reminds workplaces to ensure that septic tank lids on their properties are safe and secured after a four-year-old child fell into a full septic tank in the Barkly Region last week.

“Unsecured or fragile septic tank lids are a major hazard if access to the lid is not limited or controlled,” NT WorkSafe said on Wednesday.

In December 2021, an 18-month-old child fell into a septic tank in the Katherine region.

“There is a risk of a fatal incident occurring if someone falls into a septic tank, this risk is significantly higher if the person is a young child. Unfortunately, incidents of young children dying after falling into septic tanks have been reported in Australia and around the world,” NT WorkSafe said.

The safety agency lists a number of safety measures that workplaces with septic tanks on their properties need to follow.

For more on this story, go to the NT WorkSafe website.