OPSS launches magnet safety campaign
OPSS is raising awareness of the potential dangers of small high-powered magnets to children and the steps you can take to make them safer.
There has been a growing number of cases where children and teenagers have suffered serious internal injuries after swallowing small, high-powered magnets. If swallowed, these magnets can pull together with enough force to cause serious and even life-threatening damage to the digestive system.
Supported by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, and the Child Accident Prevention Trust, OPSS has produced safety messages on how to keep children safe.
Swallowing magnets can cause serious internal injuries
Keep products with small or loose magnets away from young children. Talk to older children about the dangers associated with putting magnets near, or in their mouths, or swallowing them.
Look for signs of magnet ingestion
Does your child have stomach pain, vomiting or fever? Check if they have been playing with magnets.
If you suspect your child has swallowed magnets
Take them to A&E straight away or call 999.
These important safety information messages will appear across our social media platforms and can be supported using the hashtag #MagnetSafety.