Playground Accidents

Hundreds of thousands of children are seen by doctors each year for injuries from playgrounds.

Resources

New Consumer Report on Playground Safety Takes Aim at Views of Corporate Groups
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/new-consumer-report-playground-safety/story.aspx?guid={82397EC7-DB04-4C8D-B23D-FE0295C247FF}&dist=hppr

http://www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentId=5129

http://www.uni.edu/playground/

Articles

Playground safety
By Michelle Ingle
July 23, 2008

Playgrounds are a wonderful way for children to get the exercise and fresh air they need.
Each year, however, an estimated 200,000 children are seen in emergency rooms because of injuries sustained on playgrounds. While all injuries will not be avoided, there are many things that adults should be aware of to help keep kids safe.

Taking precautions can prevent playground injuries
Northwest Herald
By Tom Musick
July 17, 2008

The Edstroms’ playground set in their Algonquin backyard is a popular attraction. One, because the Rainbow Play Systems set has a swing, platforms, ropes and plenty of other features to draw young adventurers. Two, because the Edstroms have five children between the ages of 3 and 13.

Summer months see rise in park, playground injuries (with map of state parks)
Shelby Star
July 15, 2008

School is out and families are flocking to area parks to take in the best part of summer. Playground and natural parks are a great activity for families of all sizes and ages, but safety must come first.

Tips for Parents

1. Watch children at all times when around playground or playground toys
2. Ensure ropes, strings, or any other loose material on a child’s clothing is properly fastened
3. Make sure playground surfaces are suitably cushioned to avoid serious injury if a fall does occur. (Acceptable surfaces include hardwood fiber/mulch, pea gravel, sand and synthetic materials such as poured-in-place, rubber mats or tiles. Playground surfaces should not be concrete, asphalt, grass, blacktop, packed dirt or rocks.)
4. Check all playground equipment before allowing children to play on it to ensure all materials are anchored correctly to the ground and all equipment is in good working order.
For more tips see: http://www.playgroundsafety.org/safety/checklist.htm