Playground Safety
All kids like to spend some time at the playground no matter what time of the year it is. The biggest challenge for parents and caregivers is ensuring that the playground is safe for the child. It is important that the child’s playground area is carefully examined prior to allowing the child to run free.
One of the obvious things to look for is whether or not the ground area offers enough cushion for the child’s fall because it is almost a given that he or she will fall at some point or another while playing at the playground. Some playgrounds areas are covered with grass and dirt but this is not the ideal surface because these surfaces do not offer adequate protection from injuries. The most common injury from playing at the playground is from falls on non-protective surfaces.
A good surface would consist of rubber mulch which is safer and also environmentally-friendly. Rubber mats are also recommended as an acceptable surface to absorb the shock of a fall. Your child’s nagging should not persuade you make a bad decision. Make the smart choice and stay away from playground surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, grass or soil which could immediately turn the child’s fun into disaster. It is also important to examine the equipment to ensure the sturdiness before the child goes jumping up and down or sliding on the equipment.
Check equipment for potential hazards such as loose equipment and chipped fragments that may cut the child. The playground equipment should also be age appropriate. Your toddler should not be trying to climb up on a slide that the teenagers use. A fall from this height for a toddler may cause serious injuries. Most toddler slides are constructed out of heavy-duty plastic.
Lastly, ensure that the child is dressed accordingly. It is not a good idea to have strings hanging from the child’s clothing which could get caught on parts of the playground equipment. Non-restrictive clothing is preferred for running around in the playground. The child should also be wearing proper shoes. The preferred shoes are sneakers or tennis shoes that have a grip on the bottom that is slip-resistance. And don’t forget to keep a close eye on your child while he or she is running around the playground yard without a care in the world. Maximum supervision is recommended to ensure that any anticipated injuries are prevented.
Mark Gregory is writing on behalf of Smith Brothers, who have been providing services to the manufacturing and engineering industries for over 24 years. They offer a number of services, including Playground Safety Mats and Playground Surfaces
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