Shutting the car door on children’s fingers or limbs is the most common injury occurring in the garage. As children start to get themselves in and out of the vehicle or if there are multiple children the risk of this type of injury increases.

• Shut car doors with care to prevent fingers and limbs being crushed.
• Teach children how to get in and out of the car safely and how to safely shut the door to avoid injury.

Injuries occurring in the garage most commonly involve children crushing fingers in doors or being trapped by the garage door or electric gates. Children are always on the go, though tend to focus on only one thing and when it comes to these items, children have limited judgement or lack the ability to risk assess when these items are moving.

• When choosing a garage door or electric gate select one that is finger safe to avoid crushing.
• Create a safety spot to stand when the garage door or electric gate is closing.
• Always supervise children around the garage door when it is closing.

The garage tends to be host to a range of different hazards that can cause injury to children such as poisons, tools or high shelving. It is important to consider how items are stored and how to protect against those injury risks.

• Contact with tools is one issue to consider in the garage and ensuring that tools are stored away safely and securely to prevent injuries from such items falling on children, or causing more serious injuries if tools such as drills or sanders are being used.
• Chemicals or poisons should be locked away, up high and out of reach. Having a lockable cupboard in the garage to store these items is a great way to keep these items out of reach.
• Store chemicals and poisons in their original containers. This prevents confusion over what the item may be and if someone does consume the product you can provide sufficient information to the Poisons Info Line or doctors.
• Ensure top heavy furniture such as work benches or high shelving is secure and stable.
• Restrict access to the garage when not in use and supervise children when accessing the garage.
• Remember to put things away after use to keep hazards out of reach of children.
• If you suspect a poisoning contact the Poisons Information Line straight away 13 11 26 and ensure you have both the child and poisons container with you.