WorkSafe takes enforcement action against daycare at centre of chemical burns incident

RNZ

15 Dec, 2025 05:28 AMQuick Read

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Hato Hone St John treated multiple patients at a daycare centre in Woolston. Photo / Nathan McKinnon, RNZ

WorkSafe has taken enforcement action against a Christchurch childcare centre where at least five children suffered chemical burns earlier this month.

Five children and two adults were taken to hospital after a steriliser chemical was mistaken for detergent and used on a children’s slip
and slide at Kindercare in Woolston.

WorkSafe southern regional manager Adrian van Dyk said it had issued an improvement notice to the centre.

“We found the centre was not sufficiently managing risks to health and safety associated with hazardous substances, in particular the use and storage of detergent sanitiser,” van Dyk said.