Playground Safety
There are three main areas to consider to ensure that your outdoor play space is safe for children. These are listed and described below.
Be aware that most injuries on a playground happen on equipment such as climbers, swings and slides. National statistics indicate that 40% of playground injuries are directly related to inadequate supervision.
Supervision: "Attentive eyes can prevent an injury"
Supervision for safety is provided by adults who:
- Are playful
- Have sharp senses and quick reactions
- Are attentive observers of children
Design: "Stationary, one-function equipment quickly results in boredom and nonproductive play"
Consider ways to:
- Provide a variety of items for both small group and individual play
- Engage children's bodies, minds and spirits
- Help children create a challenging and flexible environment with movable props
Installation and Maintenance:
Protect children; protect yourself!
- Hire professionals to construct and install equipment
- Develop and use a daily safety checklist
- Develop and use a maintenance checklist
- Schedule routine maintenance at least annually
- Know and implement national playground safety guidelines
Sources:
Playgrounds Safe and Sound, Janet Brown McCracken, NAEYC brochure
Handbook for Playground Safety, US Consumer Product Safety Commission -
Playground Checklist and General Maintenance Checklist
School Playground Safety Guidelines, ESD 112, Playground Inspection Report
Resource Links:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C.
(800) 638-2772
Anyone may request the following documents:
- Handbook for Public Playground Safety
- Public Playground Safety Checklist
- The Dirty Dozen: 12 Playground Hazards
National Recreation and Parks Association
American Association for Retired People
Playground safety article for grandparents
Washington Administrative Code (WACs)
National Health and Safety Performance Standards
Caring for Our Children, Appendix U: Poisonous Plants and Safe Plants