How do I know that my playspace is safe?
Most playground injuries can be prevented or reduced in severity through careful planning, design and maintenance of the playground and play equipment. Together with supervision of children at play, these factors will ensure that the playground is a safer and more enjoyable place for all who use it. The following hazards provide a brief overview of what to look out for in any playground or play area:
- Hard surfaces under equipment
- Inadequate falling space/impact area and playground surfacing
- Lack of maintenance, broken or faulty equipment
- Inadequate supervision
- Potential entrapment
- Pinch points and sharp edges
- Protrusions and tangling hazards
- High platforms without barriers
- Inappropriate use or play
- Trip hazards
- Overcrowded play areas
- Contaminated with dangerous items such as broken glass and syringes