Providing a Safe Playground

 

Providing a safe playground environment is an ongoing process. Parents and teachers play a crucial role in this endeavor. For example, they should be aware of hazards such as poisonous plants, rusted metal, shallow gravel, tree stumps, and broken concrete. They should also be vigilant and watch out for children who may be unsupervised.

The most obvious way to ensure a safe playground is to monitor the area and make sure that all equipment is in good working order. In addition, a guardrail should be incorporated into the design to prevent falls from the platform. It is also important to have a hazard-free play zone that is free of sharp points and other hazards. A thick layer of mulch will cushion falls.

A more subtle way to keep kids safe on the playground is to teach them proper behavior. This includes teaching them to use the appropriate equipment and avoid using them in groups. For instance, a slide should be used only by one child at a time. Likewise, a tot swing should only be used by a child under four. Taking the time to teach a child how to safely navigate 안전놀이터 equipment will help him or her develop a lifelong love of the outdoors.

There are several organizations that provide certifications in the field of playground safety. For example, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) offers a product certification program that evaluates the safety of various products and provides seals to manufacturers who meet a set of standards.

Another organization, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), tracks playground-related injuries. The CPSC found that nearly 80 percent of injuries occur during playtime. It is important to note that the number of injuries does not necessarily correlate to the number of children who receive emergency room treatment for playground-related injuries. Most of these injuries are related to falls. However, some children ignore warnings or respond appropriately to the parental reminder.

In addition to the CPSC's findings, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the United States Air Force have each completed assessments of 64 public school-age sites. They have found that only 3 percent of these sites had full sun protection during peak hours. This is not a big surprise considering that 61 percent of these playgrounds are located in sunny areas.

Although the CPSC's findings aren't exactly encouraging, they do offer a few simple guidelines to keep kids happy and healthy. These include wearing protective clothing, wearing a helmet, and wearing sunscreen. The same rules apply for adults as well. For example, never walk on a slide while a child is on it.

Keeping a close eye on your child is also important, especially when playing on certain equipment. For example, a swing can be a very dangerous item if it is not properly secured. There is also the risk of strangulation. This is a serious threat, as it involves the head and neck.

Aside from these suggestions, you should also take the time to educate your children about the risks involved in playground activities. For example, a safety slide should not be used by children in groups.