Preventing Playgrounds Injuries

When the weather begins to warm, there's no better place to be than the playground. Playgrounds are full of energy and life, smiles and games. But in order to maintain a safe and healthy place to play, it's important to be aware of some of the potential risks of injury. 28,500 kids are treated in an emergency setting for injuries related to playgrounds. Of those injuries, falling is the most common injury. Don't be a statistic; learn what you can do to play safe and encourage others to play safe, too.

It is important to always use the playground equipment as it is intended. So, as fun as it may be to climb the wrong way up the slide, or to climb up and over the top of the monkey bars, understand that doing those things comes with a heightened risk of injury. Playground equipment, like slides, swings, and bars of all shapes and sizes are the most fun when used properly. If you see someone misusing the playground equipment and you are worried for their safety, bring it to the attention of a parent or accompanying adult.

Another way to play safe at the playground is to dress for play. Proper footwear may be the most important. Avoiding necklaces, loose clothing or clothing with strings or tassels that may hang is also a must. Loose clothing may snag on equipment and cause a fall or injury.

Make sure to always play on playgrounds that offer safe playground equipment surrounded by safety surfacing, like rubber mats, rubber mulch, sand, or similar material. These materials offer more cushioning than other types of playground surfacing materials. Grass, packed dirt, and concrete do not offer the safe cushioning and may result in an increased likelihood of injury.

Proactive steps to avoid injury

• 5 Tips to Avoid Playground Injuries
• What to Look for in Order to Avoid Playground Injuries
• Common Ways Kids Get Injuries on the School Playground
• Playground Injury Information and Contributing Factors
• Playground Equipment Injury Prevention Strategies and More
• SAFE Playgrounds: Recognizing Risk Factors
• No Monkey Business: 8 Tips for Staying Safe While Playing on the Playground

Safe playground equipment

• The Most Common Playground Injuries and the Equipment that May Cause Them
• Playground Safety and Surfaces
• Fun and Safe Play Sytems
• Safe Play Surfaces
• Playground Injuries and Faulty Equipment
• The Public Safety Handbook on Playground and Public Park Safety
• Check All Playground Equipment Before You Start to Play
• Playground Safety Checklist
• A Handbook for Public Playground Safety
• How to Plan for a Safe and Fun Community Playground

General playground safety information

• National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) with Statistics on Playground Injuries
• Keeping Safe on Swings
• Playground-Related Injuries Treated in the Emergency Room
• Facts About Injuries to Children on Playgrounds
• Playground Safety and Facts to Keep Kids Safe
• Statistics and More on Playground Safety
• Facts and Tips on Playing Safe at the Playground
• Recreational and Home Injury Prevention Resources

Concussions and head injuries

• How to Treat 10 Common Playground Injuries
• Playground Injuries on the Rise: More Children Treated for Traumatic Brain Injuries Despite Industry Improvements
• Playground-Related Brain Injuries on the Rise

Written by: Ben Thompson