A Department of Communities investigation found that on 30 April this year a male child aged 16 months sustained significant injuries when hot tea spilt on him. The hot tea was in a travel mug that had been placed by an educator on top of a mini fridge, within the child’s reach.
The child was treated at Perth Children’s Hospital for second-degree burns to his forearm and required multiple follow-up appointments.
The State Administrative Tribunal has found that Honeywell Enterprise Pty Ltd, trading as Bluebird Early Learning Centre operating from Cooloongup, breached Section 167(1) of the National Law by failing to take all reasonable precautions to protect children from any hazards likely to cause injury, imposing a penalty of $25,000 and $2,000 costs.
This disciplinary action closely follows a similar case where the State Administrative Tribunal imposed a higher penalty on another childcare operator over an incident where a child was burned by hot water.
Quotes from Catherine Stoddart, Deputy Director General – Governance, Intelligence and Reform, Department of Communities
“Burn injuries can have life-long consequences for children.
“This was the second incident in a short period where a child sustained burns from hot liquid at a childcare service.
"The Department of Communities is putting all approved providers on notice that services may be suspended from operating if it is determined that children in their care have been put at serious risk.
“Hazard mitigation is an integral part of childcare management- particularly the well-known dangers of the use of hot water where children are present.
“Providers must review their practices in relation to staff using hot water and the presence of hot liquids in places accessible to children.
“A thorough risk assessment should be undertaken to identify hazards that could result in injuries to children at the service.
“Just as importantly, staff must be made aware and trained in these policies and risk assessments.”
Media contact: Steve Worner 0418 918 299
