As children grow, they learn the art of standing up again after falling—both literally and metaphorically. Yet, the gravity of the situation becomes real when falls result in severe or even fatal injuries.
A tragic incident on March 18, 2021, emphasised this concern when a 4-year-old boy fell from a fourth-story window in a Durban flat. Paramedics arriving at the scene found the child in critical condition. Immediate medical attention was provided until a helicopter could transport him for required treatment. Tragically, despite their efforts, he passed away during his hospital stay.
In a separate incident the prior year, a 5-year-old boy fell from a 12th-story window in another Durban building, meeting an equally dreadful end.
These heart-wrenching cases are just a glimpse of the many fall-related tragedies involving children in our nation. A study by The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in 2019 unveiled that 43% of recorded injuries were connected to falls, with 17% of those instances involving falls from heights—primarily affecting boys.
In the book titled “The Silent and Inviting Trap,” a disturbing revelation surfaces: children under 6 years old can effortlessly fit through a gap as small as 0.15 meters, making them susceptible to entrapment. This shows that even steel burglar proofing, designed to prevent intruders, might not suffice to guarantee the safety of your young ones indoors.
In the face of such distressing facts and statistics, Sheerguard offers a ray of hope. Our captivating yet exceptionally secure range of transparent child safety barriers is meticulously designed to shield your little ones while maintaining an aesthetic to your home. Our team of skilled installers in Kyalami/ Midrand has undergone rigorous training to ensure precise spacing that meets your children’s specific requirements.
Choose Sheerguard to ensure your children’s safety – because every child’s well-being is paramount.
- Crafted from premium Exolon® Polycarbonate, resistant to UV rays.
- Suitable for windows framed in wood, aluminium, or steel.
- Combines strength, safety, and durability with crystal-clear transparency.
- Resistant to impacts, heat, and flames.
- Exceptionally corrosion resistant.
- Includes tamperproof features.
- Offers vanity caps in a variety of colors.
- Meets insurance standards.
- Backed by a lifetime UV warranty.
- Easy to clean with water and a soft cloth – no detergents required.
- Requires minimal maintenance, ensuring peace of mind.
By Johan van der Westhuizen
