Making bunk beds safer
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 26 2009
2009 >>

The Bligh Government is putting children's safety first by seeking community input on whether safety regulations for bunk beds need to be extended to cover short term rental accommodation.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the government was inviting feedback on a Regulatory Impact Statement which outlines options for consideration to reduce the risk of childhood injury associated with bunk beds.
 
"In 2002 a mandatory safety standard was introduced for bunk beds, however this standard was not retrospective and did not cover beds currently in use in short term rental accommodation such as holiday units and holiday camps," Mr Lawlor said.

"We are determined to put child safety first but we are mindful of the impact regulations can have on the business community at this tough time, therefore we are keen to seek feedback on the proposals contained in the regulatory impact statement.

Mr Lawlor said unsafe bunk beds continue to be implicated in injuries to children and especially to children under nine.
 
"Each year 450 children in Queensland are injured as a result of bunk bed accidents,” he said.

“I encourage anyone who has an interest in this issue to provide comment on the Regulatory Impact Statement by 21 December.”

Copies of the regulatory impact statement can are available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Last changed: Nov 26 2009 at 11:35 AM