Competition to reward the best in school safety

Media Release

3 May, 2004

Competition to reward the best in school safety projects

New Zealand schools are again being asked to submit their best in safety projects to the ACC ThinkSafe LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER school safety competition.

Top prize last year was won by Alfriston School for signage around the school aimed at reducing collisions and trip hazards.

Entry is open in three categories: early childhood, primary/intermediate and secondary schools with prizes awarded in each category.

The project should identify a health or safety issue which has or can be addressed to improve the well-being of students or residents in and around the school.

First prize in each category will get $3000 in cash, with $2000 for second prize and $1000 for third.

A further $2000 will go to the best entry out of all three categories and up to 23 $500 merit awards will also be presented.

ACC's General Manager of Injury Prevention and Client Services, Darrin Goulding, said 250 children a week needed hospital treatment for injuries sustained at school or an early childhood centre.

"Sadly, one child is also likely to die, making the injury reducing ideas doubly welcome," Mr Goulding said.

Last year's winning entries also included a childcare project at Dunedin Hospital that is reducing back injuries among carers, while improved acoustics at Wellington's CityKids is reducing hearing damage.

"A superb project by Paraparaumu College that persuaded Transit New Zealand to increase the pedestrian phase on a set of traffic lights to make crossing safer," Mr Goulding said.

Around 5500 schools and early childcare centres will be mailed entry details this week.

To order an entry pack or to find our more information, please contact:

Phone: 0800 THINKSAFE (0800 844 657) Email: schools@acc.co.nz Web: www.acc.co.nz/schools

ENDS

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