Glenwillow, OH – April 6, 2021 | With continual focus on safety, GED Integrated Solutions (GED) proudly observes Window Safety Week, held the first full week of April each year. In support of the Window Safety Task Force, which partners with the National Safety Council, we recognize the important role that windows play in the lives of people at home and work, and encourage customers to review critical safety measures they can implement in their homes.
As the leader in IG and Window Systems and Software in the residential window and door industry, GED prioritizes safety in everything we do, from parts fabrication out of raw materials to machine assembly and machinery runoffs for customers. Through value-added services such as GED Training Courses (on-site at the customer’s facility, in-house at GED’s state-of-the-art CX [Customer Experience] Center, and online at training.gedusa.com), GED customers can learn how to safely operate and maintain GED equipment. GED even has a Safety Committee that monitors daily GED work activities to ensure compliance with safety procedures and best practices.
As spring arrives, window safety becomes increasingly important. “We, of course, encourage parents and caregivers to recognize the importance of practicing window safety year-round, as open windows can be dangerous any time of year for young children who are not properly supervised,” says Joe Shaheen, VP of Sales at GED. “But the nicer weather brings with it a sense of urgency for spreading awareness of guidelines to prevent window-related injuries,” continues Shaheen.
Falls from a window can result in serious injury or death and pose an especially dangerous threat for children. Every year, about eight children under age five die from falling out a window, and more than 3,300 are injured seriously enough to go to the hospital.*
“It only takes seconds for a preventable window fall to occur,” says Shaheen. “To avoid these needless tragedies, it is very important for parents and caregivers to take steps to prevent home falls.”
To protect children, the Window Safety Task Force offers the following tips:
- When young children are around, keep windows closed and locked.
- When opening a window for ventilation, use those located out of a child’s reach.
- Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent young children from climbing and gaining access to an open window.
- Don’t allow children to jump on beds or other furniture to help reduce potential falls.
- Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Insect screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep children in the home.
- Supervise children to keep child’s play away from windows, balconies or patio doors.
- Install ASTM F2090 compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of fire or other emergency) to help prevent a fall.
- Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency, such as a fire.
Visit www.nsc.org/windowsafetytaskforce, as well as the window safety sections of the FGIA and WDMA websites to learn more. Follow the Window Safety Task Force on Twitter and Facebook for more tips and updates on this important safety issue.
* According to Safe Kids Worldwide’s 2015 Report to the Nation: Protecting Children in Your Home.