Playground Safety Guide

September 19, 2023

Playgrounds are places of joy, laughter, and memories. Children gain both physical and mental benefits from outdoor play, but like any activity, it comes with associated risks.

Ensuring the safety of children while they play safely and enjoy playground equipment is paramount. Let's delve deep into understanding why playground safety is essential and how we can provide it.

Why is Playground Safety Important?

Playground safety is crucial because it ensures that kids can play, laugh, and learn without getting hurt. Every year, many playground injuries are reported, leading kids straight to hospital emergency rooms, and the injuries range from minor scratches to severe fractures.

Like we wear helmets when riding bikes, ensuring safe playgrounds helps enable children avoid accidents. When we have a safe playground, parents can feel relaxed, and kids can enjoy their playtime without worries; a fun day at the playground shouldn't end with trips to the hospital. So, it's always best to ensure that play areas are safe and sound for every child.

Types of Playground Injuries

1. Falls

This is the primary cause of most playground injuries. Whether children are falling off climbing equipment or slipping while running, the impact of playground surfaces can cause serious harm.

Let's face it: kids and gravity sometimes don't mix. Whether it's an unexpected slip from the monkey bars or that tricky last step of the slide, falling is ordinary playground stuff.

2. Cuts and Scrapes

Ah, the badges of a fun day out. Old slides might have a sneaky sharp edge, or there could be that hidden twig ready to trip up an unsuspecting foot race.

These little cuts and grazes might sting at the moment and require a quick cleanup, but they're also a rite of passage of outdoor play.

3. Impacts

These injuries occur from sudden collisions. A swinging swing might hit kids, be bumped by a fast-moving seesaw, or collide with another child while running.

Such impacts can lead to bruises, sprains, or even concussions if the head is involved.

4. Strangulation Hazard

Okay, this one's a bit serious. Have you ever noticed how some clothing, like scarves or hoodie strings, seem to have a mind of their own? Things can get scary when they get caught in equipment, especially the moving kind.

It's a good reminder to double-check what the kiddos wear before they dive into play.

Other Types

Burns from the Sun Exposure: On sunny days, metal equipment like slides or swings can get very hot, posing burn risks to children. Rubber and plastic surfaces can also retain heat, so touching and testing equipment is essential before letting kids play.
Getting Stuck in Odd Places: Play is full of tight spaces. While it can be scary for little ones, it also poses a genuine risk of injury for curious hands, feet, and heads.
Ingestion: Young children sometimes put everything in their mouths, including pebbles or wood chips. It's important to watch them closely and ensure they don't try any potentially harmful plants or unusual 'local cuisine.'

Common Causes of Playground Injuries

1. Improper Equipment

Not all play equipment is suitable for all ages. Age-appropriate playground equipment is essential to ensure that younger kids aren't playing on equipment too advanced for them.

2. Unsafe Surfaces

If you had to trip and fall, would you rather land on a fluffy pillow or a hard floor? It's the same with playgrounds. The stuff under those swings and slides can be a game-changer, whether it's other children's soft wood chips, mulch or bouncy rubber mats, or engineered wood fiber.

Falling on a hard surface like concrete? Ouch. But on a cushiony surface? It's like the ground's giving you a little hug instead of a rude greeting.

3. Old and Cranky Equipment

Playgrounds are different from fine wine; they don't get better with age. That slide from your childhood memories? It might be a rusty accident waiting to happen now.

And those swings with the squeaky chains? They might need a tune-up. From wobbly ladders to that mysterious broken piece on the seesaw, old or worn-out equipment is like an invitation to Bruiseville.

4. Lack of Supervision

Many playground injuries can be prevented with proper supervision and adult supervision. Kids are like mini adventurers. They'll scale mountains (okay, tall play structures) and leap over tall buildings (or maybe just from the swing).

But sometimes, their bravery runs ahead of their skills. Without a grown-up around to watch and occasionally shout, "Be careful!" they might take one leap too many.

5. Not-So-Friendly Playground Neighbors

Have you ever been to a playground and seen those sneaky tree roots popping out of the ground or maybe a broken bottle left behind from the previous evening? Unexpected obstacles or trash can quickly turn an innocent game of tag into a trip-hazard central.

It's always good to quickly scan the play area before letting the little ones loose.

6. One Size Doesn't Fit All

Here's the thing - playgrounds cater to a wide age range. The big kid swing might be too much for your toddler, and the baby slide might bore your pre-teen.

When kids use equipment that isn't age-appropriate, they're more likely to encounter challenges. It's like trying to ride a bike three sizes too big. Doable? Maybe. A good idea? Probably not.

7. Peer Pressure Playground Edition

Kids often want to show off, especially when they're with their buddies. "Dare you to jump from the top!" or "Bet you can't swing higher!" can push them to take risks they wouldn't usually.

That's when things can go sideways. It's the classic case of trying to one-up each other, and while it's all in good fun, sometimes it can get a tad out of hand.

How to Prevent Injuries

Understanding the risks associated with playground equipment and awareness of potential playground-related injuries is a good start. Here are some preventive measures:

Choose the Right Playground: Not all play areas are created equal. Look for playgrounds that have safety-tested rubber or soft-wood chips. This kind of surfacing can dramatically reduce the impact of falls.
Age-Appropriate Equipment: Ensure that all the equipment is suitable for the child falls the age group using it. For instance, younger kids should have separate equipment than older kids.
Regular Inspections: Before releasing the kids, inspect the playground for hazards such as broken equipment, sharp edges, or exposed bolts. A few minutes of inspection could prevent accidents due to faulty playground equipment.
Dress Right: While fashion is all well and good, functionality should be the keyword for playground outfits. Avoid clothes with drawstrings or long scarves that could get caught in equipment, leading to strangulation hazards.
Supervision is Key: No matter how safe the equipment seems, other children can be inventive in using (or misusing) it. Constant adult supervision ensures they use the equipment correctly and discourages kids from attempting stunts that can lead to playground-related injuries.
Educate and Communicate: Teach your children about the dos and don'ts of the playground. A little guidance can make them aware of the common risks associated with playground equipment and help them play safer.
Beware of Strangers: While this isn't directly related to equipment, it's essential. Always remind kids not to talk to or follow strangers, and ensure they know where the designated safe meeting point is should they get separated.

Playground Safety Tips for Kids

Teach kids to always hold onto railings when using climbing equipment.
Always use equipment the way it's meant to be used. For instance, slides are for going down, not climbing up.
Teaching kids to use slides, swings, and climbing equipment as intended can reduce the risk of injuries.
Wait your turn to avoid collisions or disputes.
Wear closed-toed shoes with a good grip to prevent slips.
Avoid wearing clothes with drawstrings, long scarves, or anything that might get caught on equipment.
Remind kids that pushing or rough play can lead to accidents.
Discourage jumping from twice the height of playground equipment, as this can lead to severe injuries. Look out for wet, slippery equipment, especially after rain or early morning dew.
Be cautious of any equipment that feels too hot in the sun.
Tell an adult if something feels unsafe behavior or if someone is playing unsafely.
Shout out a warning, like a broken piece of equipment, if you see a potential danger.
Know where the designated safe meeting point is in case of separation from a guardian or group.
Understand the importance of informing an adult before leaving the playground area.
Remind kids not to talk to strangers, even if they seem friendly.

Safety Guidelines for Equipment

Ensuring the equipment is safe when setting up or evaluating playgrounds is paramount. Here's a checklist to guide you through the process:

Material Matters

Opt for playground equipment made of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand outdoor elements without corroding or deteriorating.
Avoid equipment with toxic paints or coatings.

Smooth Surfaces

Check for any exposed sharp edges, protruding bolts, or rough surfaces that could cause scratches or injuries.
Ensure all moving parts, like seesaw hinges or swing chains, are well-covered to prevent finger entrapments.

Age-Appropriate Designations

Clearly mark play areas to indicate which age groups the equipment is designed for—typically toddlers (ages 2-5) and school-age children (ages 5-12).
Features like height, complexity, and necessary physical skills should align with the age group's abilities.

Secure Foundations

Ensure that all equipment is securely anchored to the ground. This prevents tipping or displacement under heavy use.
Keep an eye out for exposed concrete footings, which can pose a tripping hazard. They should be buried or safely covered.

Space It Out

Equipment should be spaced appropriately to prevent collisions. For instance, swings should have ample space in front and behind them.
Ensure safe zones or buffer areas around equipment where kids might jump or fall.

Climbing Safety

Climbing equipment should be sturdy and provide adequate grip. This reduces the risk of falls.
Any gaps or spaces in climbing structures should either be too small for a child's body to fit through or large enough to prevent entrapment.

Safe Heights

Ensure equipment isn't excessively high, which could lead to severe injuries in the event of a fall.
Generally, the fall height (or the height from which a child might fall) shouldn't exceed twice the height of the child.

Interactive Elements

Any interactive elements, like steering wheels or periscopes, should be firmly attached and free of pinch points.

Regular Maintenance

Conduct periodic checks to identify wear and tear or any damages.
Repair or replace damaged equipment promptly.

Ensure Playground Safety Equipment With Simplified Playground Equipment

The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides guidelines on playground safety. Adhering to these recommendations and maintaining a proactive approach to playground safety ensures that children have a safe environment to play and grow.

Remember, while public playgrounds are a hub of fun activities, safety should never be compromised. By understanding the risks and implementing safety measures, we can provide a secure environment for our children.

So, while the latest, most intricate play equipment might catch the eye, it's often the simple, familiar, and well-crafted classics that truly prioritize safety. In essence, by choosing simplified playground equipment, we're taking a proactive step in ensuring the well-being of every child eager to play.

Simplified Playgrounds offers a wide range of options to fit any budget, age group, and space requirements. With our expertise and experience in the industry, we can help you find the perfect pieces to create a safe and fun playground environment.