They are an essential recreational place in our cities and children have a great time, but, What dangers are hidden in playgrounds? Are parents aware that they are not risk-free places, where we can forget about the safety of our children?
The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that about 15 children die each year from injuries in children's recreation areas in the United States. In Spain and in other countries we are also surprised, from time to time, tragic news about accidents involving children in the parks.
But, when we talk about injuries and not about deaths, the numbers multiply. Around 200,000 children are injured in children's playground equipment with injuries serious enough to need emergency treatment. Most of these injuries occur at school and in public parks. What are the most frequent injuries in the parks?
- Falls from tall equipment, such as swing swings or from the top of a slide. Remember that falls are one of the leading causes of deaths of children due to injuries in the world.
- Trip over swings or play structures.
- Hits by one of the game teams, for example, a swing.
- Bumps, cuts or scrapes with sharp edges.
Some injuries are more serious and can be fatal, such as head injuries. Other possible traumas that often occur in parks are bone fractures, sprains and injuries to teeth and mouth.
In these latitudes, the climate favors that we enjoy the parks and the outdoors practically all the year, many days. Therefore we must be aware that these risks exist and not stop watching children, avoiding dangerous situations and reporting failures in structures, facilities ... or any danger we detect, because our children may be saved, but there will be others who are exposed to the risk.
Prevent injuries in playgrounds
Parents should be attentive, observe the environment and ask certain questions, because if certain conditions are not met, we will be putting children at risk:
Is the equipment the right size? For example, small swings are for young children and can break if an older child uses them. Young children are also not safe on swings designed for the elderly.
Can children reach moving parts that pinch or catch a part of their body?
What is under the play structures and swings? The best way to prevent serious injuries is to have a surface that absorbs the impact when a child falls on it, like the black rubber floor in many parks. This is something particularly important both under and around swings, slides and climbing or perching equipment.
Do wood equipment have splinters and nails or screws that stand out? Here lies a high danger of cuts, tears ... and old or damaged equipment is not uncommon.
Do you have elevated platforms, slides ... with railings or barriers to prevent falls? It is necessary to avoid that the children go to these places if it is not like that.
Are the crossbars wide enough so that the head of a small child is trapped between the bars? Children want to explore everything and see no danger in entering through small spaces ... until a scare arrives.
Are the swings protected from the sun to avoid burns? It is best to check the slide or swing before the child uses it, in case it burns, it is made of metal (they reach high temperatures more easily) or plastic.
Is the floor clean of trash and dangerous objects? It is not only a matter of urbanity and respect for others: do not let the crap be thrown to the ground.
Is there enough distance between the different swing areas? Could the children crash using them or if they jump from them?
Are there walls, fences or fences near the recreation area? These would pose a danger not only when using the swings but when running, playing ...
Are the swings or rockers high up on the structure? And this is well anchored to the ground? If we notice movement, its use must be avoided.
In addition to the above tips for prevent childhood injuries in the parks, we must take into account the danger posed by the laces of clothing or bicycle helmets when playing on certain swings or structures.
In addition, there is a risk of loss and, putting ourselves in the worst (without wanting to alarm, but cases have occurred and must be taken into account), of disappearance. If a child is alone and unattended, with other children and the hustle and bustle of the park ... it may be the target of some heartless.
As we see, there are many issues to consider, and although parents have to be vigilant to prevent unintentional injuries (most avoidable), I think there should be an institutional concern that ensures compliance with the requirements. However, in Spain there is no common security regulation in the parks.
Maybe we have plenty of time to get the ideal playground and those around us are far from it (more considering that the legislation leaves many gaps in terms of these public spaces). But, as parents, we should demand maximum quality in gaming equipment, certified and approved, and it must also be ensured that its installation and assembly are correct and that there is adequate maintenance and periodic inspections.
In any case, remember that the parks are not nurseries and that we must be aware of our children at all times ensuring their safety. There are dangers in playgrounds that we and children should know to play as safely as possible.
Photos | iStock
More information | Healthy Children, Ombudsman
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