Every year, in the United States and Canada, thousands of children fall through open widows and permanently injure or kill themselves. These incidents are regularly reported in the news.

Changes to building legislation were desperately needed, combined with improved window opening control devices and integrated public safety campaigns. These senseless deaths and injuries need to be stopped.

The window industry has worked tirelessly to improve window safety through various organizations such as the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council. These efforts have culminated in a new standard - ASTM F2090-2008 and 2010.

For the first time, this includes window opening control devices that permit emergency escape and rescue. This standard has also been used by The Minnesota Senate as the basis for Laela's Law, a state-wide window safety law in Minnesota that will come into effect on 1 July 2009.

Window control devices have moved on from window guards and screens. They can be both low cost and incredibly effective. They do not detract from the appearance and overall function of the window; they can be integrated easily by the window manufacturer and after-market retro-fitting takes just a few minutes.

The death of a child is a devastating event and even when a child survives the consequences for all those involved can be far reaching. The fact is - no child ever needs to be in a position where they can fall out of an open window - whether it's a new or an existing window.

Mighton Products have developed the Angel Ventlock™ product range to meet the new regulations and save lives.