Keeping Kids Safe On Large Play Structures

As parents, we all want our children to have fun and enjoy themselves. However, safety should always be a top priority. Play structures, such as those found in parks or playgrounds, can be dangerous if safety measures are not taken. Research has shown that more than 76 percent of child injuries occur on public playgrounds, accounting for 200,000 emergency room visits annually. Head injuries are one of the more common types of injuries on large play structures (usually due to falls), and these can have serious and lasting consequences for our children. In the spirit of Playground Safety Week (April 24-28), let’s discuss ways to reduce these risks and how we can be keeping kids safe.

Always Supervise Your Child

Because kids can move quickly, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. It’s important to stay close and keep an eye on your child at all times. This is especially true when it comes to larger structures such as jungle gyms or climbing walls. Many injuries can be avoided by pre-empting a child who is behaving in an unsafe manner.

Check the Play Structure for Safety Hazards

Before your child starts playing, take a quick scan of the area. Loose bolts, rusted metal, broken boards, or sharp edges should be avoided. If you see any potential hazards, report them to the park or playground administration for immediate repairs. If you have any doubts about the safety of the equipment, find somewhere else for your child to play.

Teach Your Child to Use the Equipment

Children should be instructed on how to properly use the equipment and follow proper safety rules, such as no climbing outside the play structure or jumping off the highest points. These rules will help keep your child safe and prevent accidents.

Insist on Proper Safety Gear Where Appropriate

On playgrounds, make sure your child is wearing rubber-soled shoes with good grip to help prevent slips and falls. In some cases, you may want to consider extra padding for exposed areas such as the arms and legs. Something else to consider; You may want your child to wear a helmet on a playground to protect their head, but this is proven unsafe as it presents a strangulation risk if the helmet strap catches on something.

Keep Children of Different Ages Separated

Play structures are often designed for specific age groups. If younger children play on equipment meant for older children, they can be at greater risk of injury. Keep an eye on the age ranges posted (and size ranges, too), and make sure children are playing on equipment that is appropriate for their size and age.

If your child does suffer an injury on playground equipment, you may be entitled to compensation for treatment of their injuries if negligence played a role in the accident. Our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.