News

Parents are warned to be on the lookout for household items that have the potential to be a safety hazard, and can even cause fatalities amongst small children.

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading is reminding Queenslanders about the dangers of blind and curtain cords after the tragic deaths of two New South Wales toddlers in the last fortnight.

New South Wales Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts today announced that new window safety laws to help prevent children falling from residential strata buildings have now passed through Parliament.

During International Product Safety Week, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is urging parents and carers to thoroughly check their homes for hidden product dangers that might lead to accidental deaths or serious injuries and illnesses.

Consumer Affairs Victoria is reminding families of the danger of strangulation presented by curtain and blind cords and offering free help to reduce the risk.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Bunnings Group Ltd for selling window blinds that failed to comply with mandatory safety standards.

New South Wales Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is warning families to thoroughly check homes and holiday accommodation for risks to babies and children from blind cords.

The ACCC is considering the introduction of a mandatory standard for installing corded internal window coverings in domestic dwellings. Stakeholders are invited to make written submissions on the consultation paper by Monday, 14 October 2013.

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading said the tragic death of a toddler in New South Wales last week has highlighted to parents the hidden dangers of cords on blinds and curtains.

Parents need to remain vigilant about the dangers of blind cords, according to Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor.