Every year in NSW, around 8,000 children are admitted to hospital due to falls, with about 50 of those falls occurring from windows and balconies. These are preventable tragedies—and the NSW Government has launched an education campaign to help stop them.

For strata owners and residents, these safety measures are particularly important. Shared spaces and apartment living often mean higher windows, more balconies, and more opportunities for risk.

Government Safety Recommendations

The NSW Government’s campaign, backed by The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, highlights simple steps families and strata communities can take:

• Ensure windows are fitted with locks that limit how far they can open.
• Install metal window guards with vertical bars less than 10cm apart.
• Keep furniture away from windows and balcony railings.
• Never rely on flyscreens for protection—they are not safety devices.
• Always supervise children on balconies and in other people’s homes.

Why It Matters in Strata Living

High-rise and multi-storey apartments mean children are often exposed to higher risks than in free-standing homes. In strata:

• Owners corporations may need to budget for window safety devices in common property upgrades.
• Residents should raise safety concerns early—whether it’s a loose balustrade or a balcony hazard.
• Landlords must ensure their apartments meet basic safety standards, not only to protect tenants but also to comply with legal obligations.

Metro Strata’s Approach

At Metro Strata, we take child safety seriously. We work with strata committees to ensure building safety measures are compliant with NSW laws and that residents are informed of their responsibilities. Whether it’s scheduling regular safety inspections or helping owners corporations understand their obligations, our role is to make sure proactive steps are taken before accidents happen.

Final Word

The safety of children in strata communities is a shared responsibility. By making simple adjustments—like securing windows and supervising balcony use—we can prevent tragedies and create safer homes for families.