How to Make a Safer Playground

 

A playground is a fun place for kids to get exercise, build strength, and learn about their surroundings. But it’s also a dangerous place if you don’t take proper safety precautions. In fact, more than 200,000 children are treated in emergency departments each year for playground-related injuries.

Fortunately, there are some simple things that parents and playground supervisors can do to make their playground safer. They can start by choosing play equipment that’s geared toward a child’s age, developmental level and size. And they can ensure that a playground’s rules are clear about which equipment is suitable for different ages.

* Equipment that doesn’t fit a child’s age or ability can cause injury. For example, a slide designed for 5-12-year-olds may be too high or difficult for younger kids to use. If this is the case, replace the equipment with one that is more suitable for smaller children.

2. Always have an adult with each child or group of children on the playground at all times. Strong supervision helps children stay safe from wandering off or bullying, and it can help them behave properly if they know that an adult is watching.

3. Always be careful when climbing on playground equipment. It’s especially important to look for guardrails and barriers, which can prevent falls from reaching the ground or other hazards.

4. Always be sure that all playground equipment is covered with a soft surface that can absorb the force of a fall. This is called a fall zone and can be found beneath, around or above the equipment.

5. Keep the playground clean, free of trash and debris that can be a hazard to children. Remove or discard glass, broken bottles, cans, sharp objects and other debris that could trip a child up or cause them to slip.

6. Ensure that children are 검증놀이터 using the equipment correctly by training them on proper use of playground equipment. This can be done through regular supervision of children or by training a staff member to oversee playground activities.

7. Ensure that all playgrounds are inspected for safety concerns on a regular basis. Performing high-frequency inspections can reduce the risk of accidents and increase the probability that playgrounds will be maintained in a safe condition.

8. Ensure that all playgrounds have proper surfacing on the ground under the equipment. This is called a fall zone and should be covered with a soft surface that can absorb a child’s impact.

These measures can also prevent accidents and injuries caused by falls from playground equipment, such as the ones that are mentioned above.

A large number of accidents that occur in playgrounds are due to lack of supervision and improper behavior by children. It’s estimated that over 40% of playground injuries are caused by these two factors. Therefore, it’s critical for playground supervisors to be trained on proper playground equipment usage and to enforce the rules of the park.