- bicycles - helmets required;
- skateboards, inline skates and scooters - helmets and protective clothing, such as wrist guards, gloves, knee and elbow pads required; and
- trampolines - safety pads in a contrasting colour to the mat required to cover the springs, hooks and frame.
"Small wheel devices, such as skateboards are a common cause of injury among children, but helmets and protective gear could help reduce the incidence and severity of injuries," he said.
"Research shows that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury following head injuries from cycling accidents by up to 90 per cent."
Mr Lawlor said it was important for consumers buying toys to keep the age of the child in mind.
"If you are buying toys for presents, there are some simple things to look for, which will help make sure you don't give an accident this Christmas," he said.
Children aged up to four years are most at risk from toy injury, as they tend to put everything in their mouth. Don't buy toys for children this age if they:
- have parts that could easily break off and be swallowed (generally anything that fits into a 35mm film canister can be a choking hazard for a small child;
- have strings or ribbons over 30cm long - these could strangle a young child;
- moving parts which could trap or pinch little fingers;
- sharp or pointy edges;
- are projectile or explosive toys;
- produce loud noises - these can damage hearing;
- Don’t buy toys with magnets for children under 6 – magnets have been implicate din serious injuries when ingested by small children;
- are stuffed and have weak seams - children can choke on the stuffing if these come apart;
- have small ends which a child can push into their mouth, such as drink bottle pop tops;
- toys with small batteries that can easily be taken out and swallowed.
Mr Lawlor said parents should check the labels and age recommendations on toys before buying them to make sure they are safe for young children.
"It's also a good idea to check that the toy is non-toxic and non-flammable," he said.
"Adopt a 'smaller the child the bigger the toy' policy and remember - the best way to guard against injury is to ensure there is constant adult supervision."
