Tragic death highlights importance of window restrictors

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), more than 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured falling from windows every year, while the Child Accident Prevention Trust (Capt) states that one child under five is admitted to hospital every day after falling from a building, often from open windows.

RoSPA estimates that around 10 children die each year as a result of falls, including those from windows.

A recent inquest into the tragic death of a six-year-old boy was told that he sat on the window sill of his second storey bedroom to read a book and that he may have leaned on the window and fell out.

Toby Staff, managing director of Newstar Door Controls, said: “We are hearing these awful stories far too regularly. It’s always terrible to hear of any child being injured or dying as a result of an accident. But cases like this, where it could so easily have been avoided, are particularly heartbreaking. As parents, we’re fully aware that accidents do happen. All we can do is take every possible precaution to ensure that the environment our children live in is as safe as possible.”

The Health and Safety Executive said: “Windows that are large enough to allow people to fall out should be restrained sufficiently to prevent such falls. The opening should be restricted to 100mm or less. Window restrictors should only be able to be disengaged using a special tool or key.”

Capt recommends that window catches, locks or restrictors are fitted to stop windows being opened too wide.

Chief executive Katrina Phillips said: “Safety equipment like this takes the pressure off you. It’s often easy to fit and you can find safety catches for all types of windows, including metal window frames and double glazing.”

Newstar Door Controls manufactures the Cubelock range of window restrictors, with prices starting at less than £7.00.