Keep kids S.A.F.E. on playgrounds

Correction: Kimberly Hess is executive director of the Center for Childhood Safety. Her last name was incorrect in an earlier version of this column.

Unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries for children. In Brown County, unintentional falls is the No. 1 injury for children requiring treatment in an emergency room and hospitalization.

Is your child falling into a preventable playground injury? Whether sliding, swinging or jumping onto a playground, an injury is the last thing any family wants to cross paths with. Let’s face it, playgrounds are supposed to be fun, and a great physical activity where a child’s imagination and adventure can blossom while building memories.

Sadly, thousands of children are injured each year, causing emotional, social and physical damage to these children and families along with time and financial loss. Family activities are being missed due to injury-related recovery time and healing regimens. Playgrounds are everywhere — at home, school, daycare, parks and many other recreational areas. What safety steps for playgrounds can be taken to keep your child from falling into an injury?

S.A.F.E, is the blueprint introduced by The National Program for Playground Safety to be used to prevent playground injuries. Supervision, Age Appropriate Equipment, Fall Surfacing under equipment and Equipment maintained should be safety steps used for any playground location.

» Supervision means to be alert and attentive, moving to where the children are playing. Evaluate hazards that may include foreign objects, broken/damaged equipment or improper use of equipment. Read and follow the warning signs along with the playground rules. Always intervene when inappropriate behaviors on equipment occur. Last, be aware of clothing that could get a child tangled in equipment along with proper foot gear.

The temperature of the surface of the playground equipment should also be checked before allowing children to play on it. If the equipment is too hot it can be dangerous for children.

» Age Appropriate Equipment is broken into ages 2-5 and 5-12, but also keep in mind your child’s physical developmental capabilities. These play areas are created to ensure positive emotional, social and intellectual development with accessibility and play opportunities for all children. Watch your child and make sure they are only on the equipment that is suitable for a child their age.

» Falls to the surface should be cushioned. Shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand or mulch are safer for children to play on and will be less dangerous in the event of a fall. Try to avoid playgrounds with concrete or asphalt surfaces that pose a greater risk of injury. Consumer Product Safety Commission performs height testing for adequate surfacing to use as guidance. The NPPS in return recommends in general 12 inches of loose, uncompressed fill material be used for equipment with a height of 8 inches. More information can be found on surfacing from CPSC or ASTM F1292 guidelines.

» Equipment maintained can be accomplished through routine inspections and maintenance. Checking for proper fill, garbage, tripping hazards, proper water drainage, damaged/deterioration of woods/metals or other materials used to make equipment should be part of the routine inspection, followed by replacing, fixing or removing these injury causing areas.

S.A.F.E is a step into playground injury prevention. Using these tips before allowing your child to play on a playground will help ensure they are safe and less likely to get injured. Let’s not let playground injuries prevent us from the fun deserved this summer or anytime, rather let’s prevent the injuries before they happen. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about safe playground environments please contact the Center for Childhood Safety at (920) 272-0110.

Kimberly Hess is executive director of the Center for Childhood Safety. Contact her at khess@ccsgb.org.