Parents never want to think of their children getting hurt, but unfortunately, it can happen. There are 9.2 million emergency room visits by children annually because of injuries, with falls being the most common cause of non-fatal injuries. This often happens when children are playing outside or on playgrounds.
Injuries associated with playground equipment send more than 200,000 children 14 and younger to the ER each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Nearly 20,000 of these patients have suffered a concussion or another traumatic brain injury.
Parents are given a guide to what they need to know about the importance of playground safety in the following paragraphs.
Be Aware of Hazards
Playgrounds aren’t always safe, and you may assume that. There are often old play areas that are not up-to-date with current safety standards.
It is also important to keep in mind that falls are responsible for 80 percent of playground injuries. The following are some of the hazards to be aware of on the playground:
- Check to see if the ground beneath the equipment has improper surfaces. Ideally, 12 inches of wood chips, sand, mulch, pea gravel, or rubber mats or mats that resemble rubber should cover the ground. You shouldn’t have rock or tree stumps exposed or concrete footings.
- In all directions, playground equipment should be at least six feet from the ground as well as the area below and around it. There should be a minimum distance of nine feet between structures that are over 30 inches high.
- Barriers or guardrails should be installed on platforms that are higher than 30 inches.
- Ensure that all equipment is free of sharp edges, such as those on S hooks or bolts.
- As a safety precaution, ensure that there is enough space between rails, bars, and rungs so that children’s heads cannot become stuck.
It is important to ensure that all playground equipment is in good condition, with no rust or broken parts. If your child is under five years old, they should only play on age-appropriate equipment and should be kept away from older children.
Supervision Is Important
Supervision is essential to ensure quality control and safety in any workplace. By having someone oversee the work being done, potential problems can be identified and addressed before they become serious issues.
As a parent, it is important to supervise your child at all times when they are on playground equipment. This will help ensure their safety and prevent injuries.
When researching potential childcare facilities, be sure to ask about their policies for supervision during outdoor playtime. This will help you determine if the facility is a good fit for your family’s needs.
Children of different ages tend to interact differently on the playground. younger kids may not be aware of personal space and older kids may try to push boundaries. This can create potential safety hazards.
Climbing Equipment? Might Be a Great Idea
Playground falls are a leading cause of injury for children, so it’s important to take precautions when using climbing equipment. Teach kids how to safely use the equipment and supervise them closely to prevent accidents.
Climbing equipment can be challenging for kids to navigate, especially when it includes ladders, arches, and climbing walls.
Parents should ensure their children use both hands and maintain a safe distance from the person in front of them.
When landing after jumping from a height, children should ensure that they land on both feet with their knees bent, in order to avoid injury.
What are the Signs of a Concussion
Concussions are a serious and frequent injury that children can get on the playground. They are most common on climbing equipment, monkey bars, and swings.
As a parent, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head or by the rapid movement of the head, resulting in the brain moving back and forth very quickly.
These may vary, but some of the signs and symptoms of a possible concussion may include (and are not limited to):
- Appears dazed or stunned.
- Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
- Moves clumsily.
- Answers questions slowly.
- Loses consciousness (even briefly).
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.
- Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
- Headache or “pressure” in head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
- Bothered by light or noise.
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
- Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
- Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down.”
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Child injuries on playgrounds can sometimes take hours or days to manifest symptoms. Therefore, it is important to keep a close eye on your child in the days after an injury occurs.
Slide Safety First
Another risk area on playgrounds is slides. Though they may seem more innocuous than climbing structures, slides can pose just as much of a danger.
Before letting your child slide down a playground slide, be sure to check the temperature of the slide. Slides can become extremely hot on sunny days and can cause serious burns.
Slides should have rails at the top, and the sides should be at least four inches high on open slides. This will help to keep the sliding stable and prevent items from falling off.
The base of the slide should be kept clear of debris, and children should always go down feet first to avoid injuries to the head. It is not recommended to go down the slide with your child on your lap. This can lead to children sustaining leg injuries, such as fractures, as they go down the slide.
Children should always hold the handrail when climbing to the top of the slide, and should not climb the slide itself. Only one child should slide at a time.
Other Playground Safety Tips
Here are some additional tips for keeping children safe on the playground:
- As a parent, it’s important to teach your kids about proper behavior on the playground. They should be aware of their surroundings and not push or play roughly around the equipment. By doing so, they can avoid getting hurt and help keep the playground safe for everyone.
- Before jumping off anything, your child should make sure to look below them to ensure that there is no one in the way.
- Some safety hazards can be prevented by keeping backpacks, bags, and bikes away from the equipment. These items can create a trip hazard, so it’s best to keep them out of the way.
- Children should avoid wearing clothing with cords or drawstrings, as well as necklaces, as they may become entangled in equipment and pose a risk of strangulation.
As a parent, it’s natural to want to ensure your child’s safety at all times – especially when they’re at school. If you’re concerned about the playground equipment at your child’s daycare, preschool, or elementary school, don’t hesitate to ask the teachers or administrators about the safety measures they have in place. By doing so, you can rest assured knowing that your child is in good hands.
