Playgrounds offer children exercise, fun, and social development. Without proper safety measures, they can pose serious risks. Understanding common injury causes and implementing regular inspections help reduce these hazards.
Two Leading Causes of Serious Playground Injuries
Falls from Equipment: Falls are the most common cause of playground injuries, resulting in fractures, concussions, and severe trauma. These typically happen when protective surfacing is inadequate or elevated structures like slides, monkey bars, and climbing frames aren’t properly maintained.
Impact with Equipment or Structural Failures: Worn or broken equipment creates dangerous conditions. Rusted bolts, cracked plastic, and loose components increase injury risk from sharp edges and pinch points.
The Importance of Frequent and Infrequent Inspections
Frequent Inspections: Daily or weekly visual checks help spot immediate hazards like broken glass, vandalism, or missing hardware. These quick inspections are essential for addressing short-term risks.
Infrequent (Comprehensive) Inspections: More detailed inspections focus on structural integrity, surfacing depth, and safety standard compliance. Inspection frequency should be based on usage levels, playground age, and environmental conditions. A Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) should conduct these assessments.
EHD’s Playground Safety Inspection Services
EHD provides professional playground inspections conducted by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). We’ll verify your playground meets national safety standards and help identify hazards before injuries occur.
Contact your EHD representative for pricing and additional information.