Playing it Safe on the Playground

Playgrounds can provide your child with fun, fresh air, and exercise, but they can also pose some real safety hazards. Faulty equipment, improper surfaces, and careless behavior are just a few of the dangers. Each year more than 200,000 children visit the hospital emergency room as the result of a playground injury. The good news is that many playground injuries can be prevented. Here are some things to look for.

How Soft is the Ground?
About three out of four playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground. Take note of how soft the surface is around play equipment. Wood chips, bark mulch, wood fibers, sand, pea gravel, shredded tires, and rubber mats provide a good cushion in the event of a fall. Avoid playing on hard surfaces such as concrete, grass, and dirt. A minimum depth of 12 inches of cushioning material in a six-foot radius of each piece of equipment is recommended.

Swing Safety
Of all pieces of moving equipment, swings are most likely to cause injuries to children. Metal or wooden seats should be replaced with soft seats. Swings should be spaced far enough away from each other to avoid a collision. Full-bucket (not half-bucket) seats are recommended for smaller children. Make sure your child doesn't walk too close to someone on a swing or they could get hit in the head. Check for sharp edges and dangerous hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolts.

Smooth Sliding
Check the slide to make sure it's well-anchored. It should have firm handrails and good traction on the steps. Never allow a child to attempt to slide standing up. There should be a bar at the top of the slide so that children have to sit down before they slide down. Check to be sure your child's clothing is free of drawstrings or hoods that could get caught at the top of the slide.

Safe Teeter-totters and Merry-go-rounds
A traditional seesaw should have a tire or some other object under the seat to prevent it from slamming into the ground. Spring-loaded seesaws are best for young children. Merry-go-rounds are not appropriate for preschool-age children. Save this fun for older kids. The equipment should have good hand grips, and the rotation platform should be level and free of sharp edges.

Climbing Equipment
More children are injured falling off climbing equipment or horizontal ladders than anything else on the playground. Keep a close eye on your children when they're climbing on anything. Children under four shouldn't use this equipment at all.

Teach Safe Playground Behavior
Teaching your kids how to play safely is important in preventing accidents on the playground. If they know the rules, they'll be less likely to be injured. Make sure your child plays on age-appropriate equipment.

Report any problems to your parks department. Playgrounds should be maintained regularly. Check for sharp edges and dangerous hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolts.