SAFETY : Precautions Prevent Playground Mishaps

Children’s playground injuries are mostly preventable--if parents are more safety-conscious and spend some extra time on close supervision.

Major playground mishaps, such as severe head injuries, happen infrequently. But minor injuries such as bruises, scrapes, minor head injuries and cuts are common.

Even before children head into a playground--either a public one or the back-yard variety--parents can take some preliminary precautions with youngsters, such as tying back their long hair, removing long necklaces, scarves or ties, or any other item that may get caught in equipment.

Reducing Risk of Injury

Playground injuries are most often caused by falls, and having a proper surface beneath the equipment can reduce the risk.

For example, concrete or asphalt surfaces generally offer little or no cushioning. Instead, ground beneath the equipment should be covered by rubberized mats, sand, mulch or wood chips that can absorb much of the shock of a fall.

Playground safety at home is equally important. Select home play sets with soft plastic or rubber swing seats rather than those of metal or wood. Swings with heavy seats can accidentally deliver a dangerous blow to an unsuspecting child.

To protect children, install play sets according to directions and be sure that they are not unstable.

On home playgrounds, remove any nails, rocks or pebbles that could cause injury if children fall onto them.

And before allowing children to play in a public playground, examine its surroundings for junk such as broken glass or other sharp objects.

Check that equipment is positioned away from fences, walls and other apparatus that children could strike if they fall.

Inspect equipment for peeling paint, splintered or rotted wood, sharp or protruding edges, moving parts that can pinch or crush, and open-ended hooks.

Keep Height in Check

The maximum height of any piece of equipment should be no more than six feet from the ground, and all raised surfaces on which children stand should have a safety railing.

Also check the ladder of a playground slide, and make sure the height of each step is no more than knee-high to the child.

Bear in mind that activities that are good for a sixth-grader may not be good for preschoolers. For example, 18-month-olds are generally unable to climb the steps of the ladder of a slide without help.

Proper Playground Behavior

Teaching proper playground behavior may be important in preventing injuries because youngsters often do not think about the effects of their actions.

For example, children should be instructed not to run or push, and to walk around moving objects such as swings and seesaws.

Observe your child at play from time to time to correct any unsafe behaviors, such as standing on the monkey bars, or going too high on a swing.