Are You To Blame? Should You Be Ashamed?

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In just over six years, 16 children have fallen to their deaths from windows and balconies. This should shock and shame window installers, manufacturers, repairers and those responsible for ensuring safety mechanisms are in place to prevent such tragedies.

The report was released on 7 August by the National Child Mortality Database in relation to deaths of children under 11-years old.

Between 1 April 2019 and 31 May 2025 (6 years and 2 months) there have been a total of 16 deaths of children aged under 11 years in England as a result of a fall from a window or balcony:

12 children were aged under 5 years. 4 were aged between 5 and 10 years.

In 12 cases the child fell from a flat, two were from a house and one from an hotel. In one case this information was not obtainable.

There were zero falls from owner-occupied properties. Three falls came at privately rented accommodation. Nine deaths occurred at social housing premises. One victim was in temporary accommodation. In one case information was not obtainable.

The deaths occurred across all periods in the year with six in Spring (March-May), four in Summer, four in Autumn and two in Winter.

11 children were from Asian, black, mixed or other ethnic backgrounds. Four were from a white ethnic background. In 1 case this information was not obtainable.

Who is to blame?

The National Child Mortality Database received input from the Child Death Overview Panels and other child death review professionals. The report placed no blame on the lack of or non-functioning window restrictors – despite all in this industry knowing that they are the first line of defence.

The Health & Safety Executive emphasises the importance of window restrictors, which limit the opening of windows to prevent falls. These restrictors should be appropriately installed and maintained. The organisation has pursued many cases, resulting in large fines and prison sentences where vulnerable people have been injured or died – particularly where restrictors have not been installed or maintained properly.

Window restrictors should only be able to be disengaged using a special tool or key. Balconies should only be accessed via a lockable door. (This advice is for landlords and parents. A separate risk assessment is required in the case of vulnerable adults).

Why?

The National Child Mortality Database report says falls can result in serious head trauma, which can lead to death or life-changing injuries, the consequences of which can last for a lifetime and affect the whole family.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust highlights that one of the most common reasons that young children fall is that their rapid development takes parents and carers by surprise.  For example, a toddler might take his parents by surprise when they climb on something that they had previously been unable to reach. Advice for parents includes:

Keep low furniture away from open windows and balconies so that children can’t climb up and fall out – even on the ground floor.

If you can, install or arrange to be installed, window catches (to limit how far they can open) and locks.

If you opt for a lock, keep the keys somewhere you can find them in case there is a fire and you need to get out.

If you need to open the window wider because of heat or cooking, don’t leave young children alone in the room.

Keep young children away from balconies unless they are supervised and keep balcony doors locked when not in use.

Picture: In just over six years, 16 young children have fallen to their deaths from windows and balconies.

www.ncmd.info

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
21st August 2025

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