Fall Prevention

Fall Prevention: Kids Don’t Fly and Falling from Open Windows

Protect Your Family with Compliant Window Safety Screens

We love to open our windows and allow the fresh air in. Good ventilation has great health benefits however, unfortunately, in certain circumstances, open windows can be a serious health risk for young children. It has been estimated that around 50 children a year fall from open windows throughout Australia resulting in serious injury and, in some cases, death. Based on research conducted by the Children’s Hospital at Westmead (Sydney) on admissions between 1998 and 2008 (https://web.archive.org/web/20140913034719/http://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/kidshealth.chw.edu.au/files/attachments/758/outcomes_report.pdf), they identified the following:

  • Falls from windows most prevalent in young children aged between 2 and 4 years
  • Falls from windows peak during the summer period
  • In children aged less than 14 years, boys are at a higher risk of injury than girls
  • The mean length of time spent in hospital after a fall from a window is 3.3 days
  • 39% of injuries are head-related
  • 1 if 5 falls from a windows result in death

The good news is that falls from windows are preventable. For Australian homes particularly multi-storey properties, installing fall prevention screens to window is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of falls from height while maintaining airflow and comfort.

At Goldco® Security, we specialise in security window screens that meet the Australian standards and the National Construction Code (NCC) and align with best-practice safety initiatives like the “Kids Don’t Fly” Program. Both our Amplimesh® SupaScreen® and Amplimesh® IntrudaGuard® screens meet the NCC requirements for fall prevention.

Why Window Fall Prevention Matters

Young children are naturally curious and often unaware of danger. Open windows, especially in bedrooms and living areas, can quickly become hazardous for young children.

Key Risk Factors:

  • Low windowsill heights, making the window opening easily accessible
  • Windows that open more than 125mm; thus, allowing children to pass through
  • Furniture placed near windows such as beds, chairs and desks, as they are climbable
  • Reliance on standard flyscreens instead of security screens, which are not designed to prevent fall

Important: Flyscreens are not designed to prevent falls and can fail when subjected to minimal force.

Australian Standards for Window Safety

The National Construction Code (NCC) outlines strict requirements for window fall prevention in residential buildings where the fall height exceeds 2 metres. In bedrooms or and any room in an Early Child Care Centre, the code requires the protection of window openings where the opening is below 1700mm of the internal finished floor level and where the external fall externally is greater than 2 meters. Window openings in all other rooms that are located within 895mm of the internal finished floor level and where the fall externally is greater than 4 meters also need to be protected.

NCC Compliance Requirements:

1. Opening Restrictions

  • Window openings must not exceed 125mm, OR
  • Be fitted with a compliant screen that can withstand a horizontal action force of 250N

2. Climbable Zones

  • No climbable surface within 865mm of the window

3. Screen Strength

  • Must withstand an outward force of 250N
  • Must be securely fixed in place
  • The fixing must not be easily removed

Installing compliant security screens is one of the most practical ways to meet these requirements. At Goldco® Security, both our Amplimesh® SupaScreen® and Amplimesh® IntrudaGuard® screens meet the requirement for fall prevention.

Security Screens vs Fly Screens: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between security screens and fly screens is critical for both safety and compliance.

Standard Flyscreens are

  • Designed for insect control
  • Manufactured from lightweight and flexible materials
  • Easily removable and can be pushed out
  • Not compliant for fall prevention

Security Window Screens are

  • Manufactured from high-strength material such as stainless steel or aluminium mesh
  • Engineered to resist force and impact
  • Professionally fixed to window frames
  • Tested to meet the NCC compliance requirements

Benefits of Installing Security Screens over Fly Screens

Installing security screens on your windows provides both safety and lifestyle advantages including:

  • Prevents falls from height
  • Improves natural ventilation by allowing the windows to fully open and not just limiting it to less than 125mm
  • Reduces your energy cost by not having to run air conditioning as much during the hot and humid months
  • Improves home security
  • Provides peace of mind for families

Old Homes and Rental Properties

Older homes and rental properties often do not meet current window falling from height requirements. Installing security screens can be a cost-effective way to upgrade home safety and provide a safe environment for young children; thus, protecting your asset.

Benefits of installation security screens:

  • Achieves compliance with current codes
  • Enhances your home’s security
  • Improves child safety immediately
  • Maintains ventilation and usability of windows

Protect Your Home and Children with Security Window Screens from Goldco® Security.

Unlike window restriction devices, our compliant security window screens allow you to safely open your windows and enjoy natural ventilation without compromising on safety.

At Goldco® Security, we bring over 35 years of industry experience delivering high-quality security screen solutions to homes and businesses across the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads region. We are proud to supply and install premium Amplimesh® SupaScreen® and Amplimesh® IntrudaGuard® systems, both designed to meet the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) for fall prevention.

As a business committed to quality, safety, and compliance, Goldco® Security is:

  • Australian Made certified, supporting local manufacturing and ensuring consistent product quality
  • A member of the National Security Screen Association (NSSA), adhering to strict industry standards
  • QBCC licensed, meeting all Queensland Government requirements for the supply and installation of security screens

Our security screens are engineered to provide:

  • Reliable fall prevention for children
  • Enhanced home security
  • Improved airflow and ventilation
  • Long-term durability in Australian conditions

When you choose Goldco® Security, you are choosing a trusted, compliant solution designed to protect what matters most; your family.

If you live on the Gold Coast or in the Tweed Heads region, now is the time to improve your home’s safety, comfort, and security. Book a Free Measure and Quote by contacting us on (07) 5572 2628 or visit our showroom to speak with our team.

To comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements, windows in certain elevated positions are required to have their opening restricted to less than 125mm, reducing the risk of accidental falls and injuries. Window restrictors can be removed ONLY when an approved fall prevention screen has been fitted over the window.