1. Steps - Paint the edges of steps for greater visibility but make sure you use the right paint for the surface (such as concrete or timber) and that you prepare it properly. Another option is to use metal or rubber grip tread strips. And – importantly – take care to walk slowly up and down steps and stairs!
2. Lighting – Paths and steps should be well‐lit at night. Sensor lights are best but solar‐ powered lamps are good too and are easy to pick up at hardware stores.
3. Ladders – Only use a ladder if you feel confident and know how to use it safely. Check it’s in good nick before you climb up and make sure it’s on a firm, stable surface. If you can, ask someone to hold it steady for you. Don’t carry anything in your hands as you climb, don’t over‐reach, and always keep three points of contact with the ladder.
4. Paths and driveways – Keep them clean and clear of anything that could cause you an injury. Commonly that’s overhanging branches, potholes, cracks, or moss and dead leaves that can become very slippery when wet.
5. Fencing – Build fences around outdoor pools and decks, and use child‐safe guards at the top and bottom of steps. Keep all gates closed, especially any that lead to the road.
6. Play equipment – Choose outside play equipment carefully and supervise children when they’re using it – especially if they’re on a trampoline. If you have a trampoline, make sure it’s well‐padded, keep it well away from fences or other structures, and if you can, dig it into the ground so children don’t have so far to fall. If you have a paddling pool, empty it when not being used.
7. Garden equipment – Store all garden equipment, especially mowers and weed eaters etc, in a locked garden shed or covered securely with a tarpaulin. Store any petrol or other motor fuel out of reach of children.
8. Poisons and chemicals – If you really must use poisons and chemicals, lock insecticides, weed killers, flammable liquids, fertilizers etc away in a container or cabinet. Keep chemicals in their original containers and certainly never pour them into old drink containers – they may look tempting to children. Pull out poisonous garden plants and teach children to keep away from them.
9. In the garage or shed – Store chisels, hammers, axes and tools high up and out of reach of children. If you’re using paints or chemicals, or if the car engine’s running, make sure there’s good ventilation. Wear protective safety equipment – safety goggles, ear muffs and boots – when working with tools.
10. In and around the car – For children, the driveway is a very dangerous place to play, so don’t let children play in the driveway or the street, even it’s a quiet one. Always check for children around and under your car before driving away and, if at all possible, fence off your driveway from the rest of your property.