|
Each year about 185,000 children require emergency room treatment for injuries sustained on playgrounds. Seven out of 10of these injuries are caused by falls, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Traditional hard playground surfaces consisting of packed earth, asphalt, and concrete, don't provide protection from falls. These materials are now considered unsuitable for use around and under playground equipment, and are the leading cause of serious head injuries which children receive on playgrounds. The CPSC recommends more resilient surface materials such as bark, wood chips, or shredded tires.
Parents need to know that fall-related injuries usually happen when children are just sliding, swinging, or climbing. The majority of these injuries do not result from dangerous play.
Consumers should expect manufacturers of playground equipment to provide appropriate warnings and instructional material for proper playground surfacing material which is determined largely by the height from which a fall may occur. Information on proper maintenance for these surface materials is also needed.
Playground injuries also occur when children are struck by moving pieces of equipment; catch fingers or other limbs in a pivot or pinch point; or run or fall against protruding bolts, screws, or other hardware.
Properly designed playground equipment should not form angles or openings that could trap a child's head or other body part. Exposed ends of fasteners or bolts need a covering of smoothly finished protective caps that aren't removable by hand. Equipment should have no accessible sharp edges or protruding points that could cut or puncture children's skin or entangle their clothing. Exposed ends of metal tubing should be covered with caps or plugs and the open ends of "S" hooks used in hanging swings should be pinched tightly together.
In short, take time to check and be sure that designers of your playground or playground equipment have taken the time to eliminate places where children's limbs may be caught or crushed; to eliminate or carefully guard protrusions and components on which children's skin may be torn; and to provide for surfaces around and under playground equipment which will not unnecessarily cause serious head injuries resulting from falls.
|
