The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released a report about toy safety in America. In 2015, there were 185,000 toy-related emergency department-treated injuries and 11 deaths in children ages 15 and younger. The toy that caused the most trauma? Non-motorized scooters, almost 50% of injuries occurred while a child was using a scooter. The trial lawyers at Stampone Law represent injured men, women and children; Accidents happen but we should be mindful and take preventive action to ensure safety. During this holiday season follow our check list for common dangers and warnings for toys.
- SafetyFirst. Less than 30% of parents pay attention to the age grade on toys. This is not a test of how smart
our children are, age grades are designed around development abilities and should be taken seriously. - Buy safety gear: For bikes, skateboards and similar toys, make sure your child is properly fitted with a helmet and pads.
- Parents must read all package warnings and instructions.
- In play areas that utilizes shelving units, dressers or other furniture please make sure they are secured to a wall.
- Beware of battery operated toys: Make sure your little children can’t remove the battery. “Button-style” batteries can cause potentially fatal internal burning when swallowed.
- Make sure toys don’t contain toxic materials that could be poisonous.
- No matter what, supervise your child: Any toy can be dangerous without parental supervision.
- Lastly, The World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) has released its top 5 dangerous toys for this Holiday Season:
1) Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700 Blaster.
2) Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddles Family.
3) Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers.
4) Peppy Pups.
5) Flying Heroes Launcher.
Have a great happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season.