Childcare Insurance: Playground Safety 

Playground injuries can be prevented. While a broken bone usually heals well with time, many other injuries can lead to more severe problems. A hit to the head can possibly lead to epilepsy, headaches, even behavioral abnormalities. It is up to caregivers to understand playground safety, to be aware of possible hazards so our kids can have the joys of childhood they rightly deserve without the risk of injury.

The guidelines that follow will enable you to spot and prevent potential hazards.

Before you allow your children to play, quickly scan the area for broken objects, stray animals, equipment that looks severely worn or has protruding parts. Check the ground surrounding all equipment. It is recommended that a soft surface of sand, wood chips, shredded tires or sponge mats be in place and should equal a depth of 10-12 inches. Asphalt, cement, stone and even grass are too dangerous as they do not protect and cushion a falling child. 

Be sure that all equipment is securely anchored to the ground. Flexible rubber swing seats are better than traditional wood or plastic seating and will cause less harm should they strike a child.

Make certain all equipment is free of loose or broken parts and that bolts and screws are recessed or are covered with plastic caps. The S-shaped rings attached to swing chains should be closed on both ends.
   

Equipment containing bars should have the spaces between bars at less than 3-1/2" in width or more than 9" in width to eliminate the possibility of a child's head becoming caught. Exercise rings should be less than 5" wide.

Young children should not be allowed on slides over 6 feet in height. Slides should have good handrails and gentle slopes.

Equipment should be at least 6 feet away from fences or buildings to allow free movement of the children and the equipment's parts.

All of your playground equipment should be inspected weekly to ensure the children's safety.  For your safety make and keep inspection reports.

 Most importantly, children must be properly supervised while they are on the playground. The attending adult must be actively involved with the children. Reading, chatting and resting do not constitute proper supervision. It is recommended that two adults be available while the children are playing outdoors.

 Sandboxes should have covers to keep them free of animal feces.
 

Water play must be closely supervised and the children should never be left unattended for any reason.

Following these procedures will help insure that your playground is a place of joy for the children, not a potential hazard waiting to happen.