A small child falling into a septic tank last week, the second child to do so in the Territory in last eight months, has prompted NT Work Safe to remind businesses they need to abide by legislation and to secure septic tank lids.

NT Work Safe spokesman Peter Chan said in a warning statement that at a business in the Barkly region last week a four-year-old child fell into a full septic tank with an unsecured lid, after using the toilets.

“The child’s parent witnessed the incident and was able to rescue their child,” he said.

While in December last year, he said, an 18-month-old child fell head first into a septic tank with an unsecured lid outside their accommodation in the Katherine region.

“Fortunately, the child’s older sibling saw the incident and managed to rescue the toddler from the tank,” he said.

Mr Chan said they agency was still investigating both.

“Unsecured or fragile septic tank lids are a major hazard if access to the lid is not limited or controlled,” he said.

“There is a risk of a fatal incident occurring if someone falls into a septic tank, this risk is significantly higher if the person is a young child. Unfortunately incidents of young children dying after falling into septic tanks have been reported in Australia and around the world.”

Mr Chan said septic tanks are covered by Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act and Regulations and urged businesses to meet the requirements of the act.

The agency said establishments should ensure the safety of their tanks by identifying hazards prevent access to areas around septic tank lids, and make sure they are properly maintained.