Playground Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has produced assorted materials on playground safety.  It is estimated that 200,000 children each year suffer injuries that are playground related. Most injuries are caused by falls, but other dangers include moving or protruding equipment and pieces that can trap or strangle children.

The following checklist can help ensure safety on your playground:

• Never attach items to equipment that can cause strangulation, such as leashes, jump ropes, and clotheslines.

• Check for sharp edges and protuding hardware on equipment, such as open “S” hooks.

• Verify there are no spaces where children can get trapped, like openings between ladder rungs.

• Make sure there are guardrails on platforms and ramps.

• Fix or remove tripping hazards, such as concrete footings, tree stumps, and rocks.

• Evaluate the safe condition of the play equipment and surfacing on a regular basis.

• Supervise children on the equipment while they play.

We would like to thank the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for providing this information from their website at http://.www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/Pg1.pdf

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