KEECH LAUNCHES SUMMER SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech today launched the Beattie Government’s Summer Safety Campaign, aimed at protecting Queensland families.

Mrs Keech said while summer was the time for fun in the sun for many Queenslanders, the hotter months unfortunately could mean an increase in injuries.

“The Summer Safety Campaign will provide Queenslanders with important information on Christmas toys, pools and the great outdoors,” she said.

“The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) plays a proactive role in increasing consumer awareness by monitoring and enforcing mandatory safety standards for products, recommending unsafe products be banned or recalled and providing safety advice.

“Queenslanders also need to keep in mind that being sun smart and safe doesn’t have to cost the earth. The great benefit of mandatory safety standards is even the cheapest bike and sunglass products must comply with the standards.

“When shopping for toys this Christmas look for good design and manufacturing and make sure the toy is suitable for the child's age.

“And when using backyard pools, ensure constant supervision of children. Pools, while providing hours of fun, can also be dangerous, particularly for children in the one-four years age group.”

Mrs Keech offered these safety tips:

·always supervise young children around water - never leave them alone, even when other children are present. Remember swimming aids are not safety devices;

·check fencing requirements with your local council before buying any type of large pool and be aware that some inflatable pools must be fenced under Queensland pool fencing standards;

·buy the highest SPF rating, water resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen and check the use-by date as they need replacing every two years;

·stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm and apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out;

·choose sunglasses carefully as Ultra-Violet rays can cause serious eye damage – if in intense UV situations such as being near water, consider specific purpose sunglasses; and

·toy sunglasses for children are just that – toys and should not be used as protective sunglasses.

The OFT website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au is packed with safety brochures, fact sheets and guides than can be downloaded.

Media contacts: Jo Whitaker 3224 2006 or Julie Struber (OFT) 3119 0066