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2010 playground safety weekKeeping it Safe on the Playground
Playgrounds are a compelling and fun attraction for children of all ages and offer the chance to explore and develop physical, emotional, social and intellectual skills. However, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year an estimated 200,000 children are injured seriously enough on America’s playgrounds—both on home and public play spaces-- to require emergency medical visits. Educating adults and children about common safety hazards and how to prevent playground mishaps are the first steps toward helping communities reduce these figures.
“One of the most important yet often overlooked components of playground safety is an effective supervision program,” said Tim Ahern, owner/CEO of BCI Burke. “No matter how safe the equipment is, it cannot supervise the children.”
There are several key factors for adults to consider when children are on the playground:
- As a rough rule of thumb, surfacing around play structures should be at least 12 inches deep, consisting of pea gravel, mulch, sand, wood chips, rubber fill or synthetic grass. It is strongly recommended to consult with a certified playground installer or playground manufacturer to ensure all safety guidelines, including exact depth of surfacing materials, are followed.
- Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to the equipment. These present serious strangulation hazards to children.
- Remove bike helmets before playing.
- Watch for broken parts, rust, protruding hardware, sharp edges, or other disrepair. Bring maintenance and safety concerns to the attention of the appropriate person immediately.
- Pick up debris and litter to prevent tripping hazards and health issues.
- Due to the differing capabilities and needs of children, separate play areas should be provided for pre-school group, ages 2-5, and older children, ages 5-12.
- Look for signage on playgrounds that inform parents/supervisors which structures are appropriate for the age of the children in their care, and remind them of supervision requirements.
- Choose a cooler part of the day to play. Apply sunscreen to protect children’s delicate skin.
- Beware of hot surfaces that can burn skin on sunny days.
- Interact with children at play. They take pride in showing adults what they can do. This also allows for better attention to safety.
While it is impossible to prevent every injury, careful planning, education and supervision will make the playground experience more enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Ultimately, the best playgrounds provide fun and safe play experiences, and memories that last a lifetime.
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