The ACCC have identified button batteries as a ‘Product Safety Priority for 2019’ after deaths in 2015 and it is believed around 20 children are taken to hospital every week in Australia with concern over button battery ingestion, posing a serious risk to young children.
In March, Assistant Treasurer, Stuart Robert, signed a formal ACL warning notice on button batteries, outlining the possible risks posed on children, and advice to consumers in dealing with this.
In the promotional industry, product recalls for those products with accessible button batteries have included LED Bicycle lights (see here), as well as electronic sewing & activity kits (see here).
The team will be actively supporting those strategies that help prevent injuries and deaths to children, as well as increasing public awareness of the dangers associated.
If you’d like any further information on button battery safety, or how to manage safety with regards to promotional products/branded merchandise, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’d be please to help.
