Published Friday, 15 February, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Shine Warns Parents About Phil and Teds Pram
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has warned parents to be extremely careful when using the popular Phil & Teds Sports pram, following safety concerns over its locking device.
“The Office of Fair Trading raised safety concerns with Phil & Teds following complaints that consumers have suffered finger injuries when folded prams have opened suddenly during lifting,” Mr Shine said.
“The Phil & Teds company has agreed to address concerns with the safety of its three-wheeled Sports pram, including providing a free safety strap to all customers who have bought the product.
“The company has notified retailers which stock its products and advised the Office of Fair Trading the straps will be available in Australia in seven days.”
Mr Shine said consumers who intend to purchase a Phil & Teds pram should discuss the safety strap with the retailer.
“Any parents who own one of these prams should contact the retailer where they bought it to obtain the safety strap,” he said.
“For parents who have bought a Sports pram second-hand they should contact a Phil & Teds stockist to obtain the part.
“Anyone with a pram can contact the company for further information on 1800 888 586.”
Mr Shine said the company also agreed to review the design of the Sports pram, in particular the safety lock that is supposed to keep it folded closed.
“A metal joint on the pram creates a scissor-like action when it is opened and closed, which can cause serious injuries if people get their fingers caught in the joint.
“The weight of the pram can quickly snap it open and catch the person holding it by surprise.”
Mr Shine said he had been advised by the Office of Fair Trading that the lock on a three-month-old pram failed during an inspection.
“I am very concerned at the failure of the lock, and I am warning parents to be very careful when they are folding, lifting or moving the Sports pram,” he said.
“People should keep their hands well clear of any joints that may close on their fingers.
“The Office of Fair Trading has asked the company to explore design improvements to ensure the joint is not a potential danger when people are lifting the pram.
“The Office of Fair Trading will continue to monitor the company’s development of safety measures for the prams.”
Mr Shine urged parents to pay close attention to the safety features on all prams and strollers, and always closely supervise their children.
“When parents are buying a pram they should:
• check the product is equipped with safety features such as a five-point restraint harness and effective safety locks
• check how well the braking system and locking features work
• familiarise themselves with how to apply the brake - this is very important, especially with three-wheeled strollers that can roll away quickly if the brake is not applied, and
• ensure the pram or stroller has no gaps that could trap your baby's head, limbs or fingers.
“When they are shopping for a pram, they should ask for a full demonstration of the pram and how to use its safety features.”
For more information about pram safety download a copy of Keeping Baby Safe from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
“The Office of Fair Trading raised safety concerns with Phil & Teds following complaints that consumers have suffered finger injuries when folded prams have opened suddenly during lifting,” Mr Shine said.
“The Phil & Teds company has agreed to address concerns with the safety of its three-wheeled Sports pram, including providing a free safety strap to all customers who have bought the product.
“The company has notified retailers which stock its products and advised the Office of Fair Trading the straps will be available in Australia in seven days.”
Mr Shine said consumers who intend to purchase a Phil & Teds pram should discuss the safety strap with the retailer.
“Any parents who own one of these prams should contact the retailer where they bought it to obtain the safety strap,” he said.
“For parents who have bought a Sports pram second-hand they should contact a Phil & Teds stockist to obtain the part.
“Anyone with a pram can contact the company for further information on 1800 888 586.”
Mr Shine said the company also agreed to review the design of the Sports pram, in particular the safety lock that is supposed to keep it folded closed.
“A metal joint on the pram creates a scissor-like action when it is opened and closed, which can cause serious injuries if people get their fingers caught in the joint.
“The weight of the pram can quickly snap it open and catch the person holding it by surprise.”
Mr Shine said he had been advised by the Office of Fair Trading that the lock on a three-month-old pram failed during an inspection.
“I am very concerned at the failure of the lock, and I am warning parents to be very careful when they are folding, lifting or moving the Sports pram,” he said.
“People should keep their hands well clear of any joints that may close on their fingers.
“The Office of Fair Trading has asked the company to explore design improvements to ensure the joint is not a potential danger when people are lifting the pram.
“The Office of Fair Trading will continue to monitor the company’s development of safety measures for the prams.”
Mr Shine urged parents to pay close attention to the safety features on all prams and strollers, and always closely supervise their children.
“When parents are buying a pram they should:
• check the product is equipped with safety features such as a five-point restraint harness and effective safety locks
• check how well the braking system and locking features work
• familiarise themselves with how to apply the brake - this is very important, especially with three-wheeled strollers that can roll away quickly if the brake is not applied, and
• ensure the pram or stroller has no gaps that could trap your baby's head, limbs or fingers.
“When they are shopping for a pram, they should ask for a full demonstration of the pram and how to use its safety features.”
For more information about pram safety download a copy of Keeping Baby Safe from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273