School Playground Safety

School playground equipment should be maintained in good condition.

According to a 2005 "Keep Schools Safe" publication, 200,000 children are taken to U.S. emergency rooms each year because of playground injuries with most injuries occurring when students fall from playground equipment. Well-maintained equipment, well-instructed children, and well-trained playground supervisors can help ensure playground safety.

Playground Equipment

Playground equipment is a major source of child injuries. Children love to climb, swing, slide, and play games on the equipment and they especially enjoy hanging upside down, engaging in mock combat, and finding inventive ways to use the equipment never dreamed of by the manufacturers. Equipment should be maintained in good condition. Bolts, screws and other protrusions should be properly secured. Absorbent, resilient materials such as pea gravel and rubber mats should be placed under areas where children may fall. Limits should be set for length of play on metal equipment that may become dangerously hot or cold.

Peer to Peer Injuries

Misuse of playground equipment, rambunctious play, and bullying are issues that need to be addressed to ensure playground safety. Children should be instructed on the correct way to use the equipment. During playtime, vigorous activity should be encouraged but personal contact should be discouraged. Playground supervisors should be alert for signs of bullying or other interpersonal problems.

Fences

Fences around a playground can stop children from running into hazardous areas and keep balls and other equipment on the school grounds. They can also deter inappropriate human and animal intrusion.

Playground Supervisors

Well-trained, conscientious playground supervisors in appropriate numbers can forestall many interpersonal problems, as well as injuries from misuse of equipment.

Stray Animals

Stray dogs and cats represent a special danger because many children enjoy pets. Some children may attempt to pet the animal while others may try to drive the animal away with sticks or rocks. In both instances, the children may be bitten. Playground supervisors should intervene when any animal appears on a playground.

Beware of Abductions

School policy should be followed to prevent kidnappings, including noncustodial parental abductions. Students should never be allowed to leave the playground directly with a parent; they should always enter the school building and be signed out in the office. Students should never leave the school premises with anyone not on the "approved" list. Playground attendants should be alert for strangers loitering near the playground or for vehicles that cruise by repeatedly or that park near the school.

References

• Keep Schools Safe: Playground Safety check list
• School Playground Safety Guidelines
• Playground Safety Publications