BY IAN CROUCH
From today, unit blocks and apartment buildings in the Hunter and across the state with windows two metres or more above the ground must be fitted with child safety locks.
It comes after hospital staff reported a rise in the number of children being treated for injuries after falling out windows.
The most recent incident in the Hunter was at Nelson Bay in 2009 when a 2-year-old boy suffered head and pelvic injuries after falling 5 metres from a side window of a rented duplex in Government Road.
Better Regulation Minister, Matt Kean says property owners have been given plenty of time to install window locks.
“Strata building windows from which a child could fall two metres or more must have child-proof locks. With more people living in apartments it is vital that wee have measures in place needed to keep our children safe,” he said.
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Minister For Better Regulation, Matt Kean |