The Australian Government Has Recognised the Dangers

It seems the government in Australia has joined the campaign to get window blinds and shades recognised as being a hazard in the home. Their Minister for Fair Trading, Peter Lawlor, has stated that parents need to remain vigilant about the dangers of blind cords.

"These terrible tragedies highlight the need for parents and caregivers to be alert to the dangers posed by hanging blind and curtain cords that can create a loop that small children can hang themselves in," Mr Lawlor said.

"13 children have died in Australia after being strangled by cords since 2000.

"In the United States, more than 170 children have died from injuries associated with curtain and blind cords since 1991.

"The good news is that parents can do one simple thing to help prevent these tragedies."

Mr Lawlor has announced a 12 month long education campaign to raise parental awareness of the risks, injuries and deaths caused by hanging blind and curtain cords.

Read more here.

In the UK pressure is mounting on the Government to act in a similar way by publicly recognising the dangers and instituting legislation to address them.

Join the "Are Window Blinds Safe?" campaign on Facebook.