Playground Safety
Definition: Playgrounds and outdoor play equipment can be found in backyards, schools, day care centers, local parks, community recreation centers, and more. They enable children and youth to exercise and play. However, they can also present an injury hazard if they are not constructed safely or maintained properly and if children are allowed to play on them unsupervised.
Magnitude of the Problem
According to Safe Kids,
- It is estimated that close to 220,000 children 14 or under went to the ER for injuries associated with playground equipment in 2009.
- 57% of estimated playground-related injuries treated in ERs occurred at either schools or parks.
- Falls account for over 75% of all playground-related injuries.
- CPSC investigated 40 deaths between 2001 and 2008. Of these, 68% were the result of hanging/asphyxiation. 7% were caused by neck/head injuries. The rest were due to other causes.
Prevention
Parents, care givers, child care providers, and teachers should supervise children on playgrounds at all times. Regulations mandating how playgrounds are constructed (e.g. installing protective surface materials) can help to make these areas safer for children and reduce injuries. Currently, 15 states have passed laws mandating that U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission safety guidelines and warnings on playground surfaces and age-appropriate equipment be followed. Regular inspections and maintenance of playground equipment are essential to keeping kids safe.