It’s likely there are more hazards in your backyard than inside your home. This page covers some of these areas and how you can keep them safe for you and your family.
Steps
Paint the edges of steps for greater visibility. Some exterior paints are especially designed for the surfaces that we walk on. Make sure that you select the correct paint for your particular surface (eg concrete or timber) and that you prepare the surface as required. Your local paint store should be able to advise you on which paint to choose.
Another option is to use metal or rubber grip tread strips, that you can cut to the required length and either glue or screw into place. Take care to walk slowly up and down steps and stairs.
Lighting
Make sure paths and stairs are well lit at night. Sensor lights and solar-powered lamps are available from hardware stores.
Ladders
Ask someone to hold the ladder steady, or let someone else know that you're working on a ladder before you climb.
Set up your ladder at a safe angle and ensure the ladder is stable before climbing up. Remember the 1 in 4 safety rule – one measure out for every four measures up. For more information on ladder safety, see ACC4407 Ladder safety (PDF165K).
Secure your ladder at the top. If possible, tie a straight ladder to something stable as close to the point of support as possible to prevent movement.
Reach only as far as you safely can. Keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails. Climb down and move the ladder regularly to avoid over-reaching.
Keep your ladder in good condition. Check it once a year (such as when daylight saving starts) and make sure that it meets the New Zealand Safety Standard AS/NZS1982.1.1996 (external link).
Paths and driveways
Damp leaves
Remove damp leaves and other vegetation from pathways.
Spray moss killer on paths
Moss killer is available from hardware stores. Make sure you follow the instructions for safe use.
Fill in any potholes
Small cracks and holes in paths or steps can be filled with an easy-to-use 'instant' cement mix, available from hardware stores.
Overhanging trees
Cut back overhanging trees and branches along pathways to ensure unobstructed walkways. Ensure that you are stable and safe when you are doing this. Wear non-slip, secure footwear and do not operate tools above shoulder height. If you need to get higher, use a secure ladder or hire a professional tree pruner or gardener to do the work for you.
Fencing
Install fencing around outdoor decks, and use child-safe guards at the top and bottom of steps. Keep the gate to the road securely shut.
For information about fencing around swimming pools, see the Pool Safe website (external link).
Glass doors and windows
Put stickers or tape on large glass doors and windows to prevent people running into them.
Play equipment
Choose outside play equipment carefully. Many injuries happen on equipment more recommended for sports use than general playground use. They all require careful supervision.
For example, trampolines are popular but can cause many injuries. They are not recommended for general playground use and are best used only in supervised sports or gymnastics settings. Strict rules are needed - such as one person at a time to prevent collisions and falls.
Trampolines should be placed well away from fences or other structures. It's a good idea to install them in the ground (in a well-drained hole) to help reduce the height of falls. The springs and frame should be well padded.
Garden equipment
Keep children away from motor mowers, weed eaters, etc. Store your equipment in a locked garden shed or cover securely with a tarpaulin.
Store any petrol or other motor fuel out of reach of children.
In the back yard
Check regularly for broken bottles, glass and cans, and remove any that you find.
Identify and remove poisonous garden plants and keep children away from these.
Supervise children closely around rubbish fires, incinerators, barbecues and fireworks.
Chemicals
Keep chemicals in their original containers. Never keep chemicals in old drink containers – they may look tempting to children.
Store insecticide, weed killer, flammable liquid, fertiliser and other dangerous substances in a locked container or cabinet, out of reach and out of sight of children.
In the garage or shed
Ensure that there is good ventilation when using paints and chemicals or when the car engine is running.
Store chisels, hammers, axes and tools high up and out of reach of children.
Wear protective safety equipment – safety goggles, ear muffs and boots - when working with tools.
Swimming pool safety
Supervise children at all times around water. Don't rely on flotation devices to prevent drowning.
Empty your paddling pool when not in use. Dismantle or deflate it and store in a dry area.
Inadequate fencing and lack of supervision are common factors that contribute to children drowning in home swimming pools. Fence off garden pools, spas and swimming pools.
Fences around pools and spas should be at least 1.2m high with gaps no wider than 100mm. To find out more about legal fencing requirements, see the Pool Safe website (external link).
For more safety tips, see Water Safety New Zealand (external link).
In and around the car
More than half of all pedestrian injuries are sustained within sight of home. Don't let children play in the road, not even on your quiet residential street.
Children should be let out of the car only when an adult can supervise them directly. Make sure that luggage, prams, strollers etc are taken out of the vehicle first.
Always check for children around and under your car before driving away.
Fence off your driveway from your yard.
Last updated: 20April2009