Providing a Safe Playground

 

Providing a safe playground is an ongoing process. Parents and teachers need to educate children about safety. They also need to be prepared to react when necessary. If they see something that may cause injury, they should tell an adult. If there is equipment that needs to be repaired, it is best to do it right away.

Most playground injuries occur on public playgrounds, but even at home, there are some hazards. Some are caused by falling objects, such as a rope or a ladder. Others are caused by equipment that is inappropriate for children. These include broken pieces of equipment, sharp edges, and loose railings. It is important to check all equipment regularly for these and other hazards.

The National Program for 안전놀이터 (NPPS) provides training and technical assistance to State and local governments, Departments of Education, and other community agencies. NPPS has conducted assessments of more than sixty child care sites for the U.S. Air Force, Department of Health and Human Services, and other organizations. Currently, the organization has provided training in all fifty states.

NPPS has developed a framework called the SAFE framework, which stands for supervision, appropriate environments, and fall surfacing. This framework was created to improve the safety of playgrounds and to encourage the development of effective practices to maintain and repair playground equipment.

Children of all ages can be injured on playground equipment. Younger children are more prone to injuries on certain equipment. It is important to make sure that playground equipment is appropriate for children's age, intellect, and physical size. Some children are especially prone to injuries on monkey bars, bucket-style swings, and other structures that involve hanging.

While most playgrounds are constructed on concrete, it is a good idea to have playgrounds built on softer surfaces. This will help minimize the impact of falls. These surfaces can be made of rubber tiles, mats, or other materials. When laying out a playground, it is a good idea to place smaller steps in the crawl space and to avoid chain climbers.

Another hazard on playgrounds is helmet straps, which can snag playground equipment. It is also important to keep kids from playing with bicycle helmets on the playground.

Using a checklist will ensure that you do a thorough inspection of your playground. This will help you identify any problems that need to be repaired. It will also be helpful to have an adult who is familiar with the playground to help you inspect the equipment.

If you do not have a professional playground inspector, it is a good idea to hire a company that can offer inspection and maintenance for your playground. This is the most reliable way to make sure your playground is safe. A professional can also help you design a playground that will keep your child safe. Depending on the nature of your play area, a company can design and install a play space that will be safer and more durable.