Education and care services should consider a number of factors when it comes to bookshelf safety and keeping children safe.
The following is some information to help your service understand the key issues of bookshelf safety and how they relate to the National Quality Framework.
Toppling shelves are a common concern when children are around, and it's most likely the first thing people think of when considering bookshelf safety. Perhaps surprisingly, the majority of incidents reported involve children falling into the edge of a shelf (resulting in a head injury).
So, what are the best ways to manage this risk for children in your care?
Step 1: Conduct a risk assessment of your shelving
It is recommended you assess the shelving within your service, and review critically the area around the shelves.
Keep an eye out for tripping hazards, while considering the type of play and activities that occur in the space near shelving.
Step 2: Update your shelving/environment
Depending on the outcome of your risk assessment, some things you may need to consider following your risk assessment are:
- Securing bookshelves of all heights to the wall.
- Not storing heavy objects on high shelves.
- Making sure removable/adjustable shelves are firmly fixed in place.
- If shelves can be scaled or climbed.
- Investing in low-set furniture or furniture with sturdy, stable and broad bases.
- Where your bookshelves are placed in the room, and if they are around play areas.
- Storing things on high shelves, completely out of reach of children, with no furniture nearby to climb.
- Moving shelves away from high traffic or regular play areas to remove the risk.
You may find the following resources helpful to understand more about your responsibilities within your education and care service for young children.
Education and Care Services National Regulations
Across Australia, the Education and Care Services National Regulations support education and care services by providing detail on a range of operational requirements including:
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Reg. 85: ensure your policies and procedures include procedures to be followed in the event of an injury
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Reg. 86: notify the parents as soon as practical, and no later than 24 hours after occurrence, in the event of an injury
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Reg. 87: maintain a record of the injury in accordance with regulations
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Reg. 103: ensure your premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and in good repair
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Reg. 168: policies and procedures are required in relation to health and safety, incident and injury
For more information about how the Department of Education and Training regulates and assesses education and care services for young children, see: Quality Assessment and Regulation.
More resources:
Royal Children's Hospital Safety Centre
KidSafe Family Day Care Safety Guidelines