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Window safety

Preventing serious falls

Open windows can pose a serious risk to young children. A moment of curiosity or a nearby piece of furniture can quickly lead to a fall.

Young children learn by climbing, reaching and exploring, often without understanding the dangers around them.

This section provides practical advice to help parents, carers and professionals reduce the risk of window falls and create safer home environments for children. 

 Child standing by open window

 

 

How to make your home safer:

Always:

  • Keep windows closed and locked when not in use
  • Install suitable window restrictors or safety locks where young children live, stay or visit


window lock
  • Store window lock keys where adults can quickly access them in an emergency     
  • Regularly check that locks and window restrictors are working correctly
  • Move beds, sofas, chairs, toy boxes and other climbable furniture away from windows.    

Never:

    • Rely on insect screens to prevent falls. They are not designed to support a child's weight
    • Leave a child unsupervised in a room with an open window
    • Assume older children will always recognise the danger of an open window.

Choosing the right window restrictor:

Window restrictors help limit how far a window can open while still allowing ventilation.

To be effective they should be:

  • Suitable for the type of window
  • Correctly fitted
  • Strong and secure
  • Regularly checked for damage, wear or tampering. 

Window restrictors are an important safety measure, but they should never replace supervision.  

window restrictor

 

 

Acting quickly on unsafe windows:

checking window

Treat the situation as urgent if a window: 

  • Does not lock properly
  • Opens wider than expected
  • Has a damaged or missing restrictor
  • Can easily be reached by a young child.

Keep children away from the area and arrange repairs as soon as possible.

If you rent your home, contact your landlord, housing provider or managing agent. 

 

 

When to take extra care

 

Window safety deserves particular attention:

  • During warm weather when windows are more likely to be open
  • When ventilating after cooking, decorating or cleaning
  • During house moves and home renovations
  • In temporary or unfamilar accommodation
  • When visiting friends or relatives
  • When staying in holiday accommodation.

Always check window and restrictors before children play nearby. 

 

boy looking up


Five simple window safety messages

5 simple safety messages

Help keep children safe

Share these simple window safety messages with grandparents, relatives, babysitters and anyone who cares for your child.

A few simple precautions can help prevent a life-changing fall.