The squeals and yells of our boisterous, healthy children enjoying outdoor play in the backyard are reassuring and soothing to hear, so long as they do not indicate discomfort or an accident. The backyard is intended to be a safe and enjoyable location for outdoor play and exercise. Young children require the physical benefits of exercise, the development of motor skills, and fresh air, as well as a place to release their endless energy.
Sadly, each year a large number of children are injured due to unsafe playground conditions and equipment. Numerous incidents involve private playground equipment; the remainder involve public playgrounds. Falls account for the majority of injuries worldwide. Tragically, a small number of children also die annually from accidental strangulation.
These catastrophes are, thankfully, avoidable. In conjunction with vigilant adult supervision, appropriate playground construction and upkeep can significantly reduce the risk of harm among young children.
You may take charge at home by implementing safety measures in your own play space. And you can examine additional playgrounds for the same dangers. Inadequate surfacing to cushion falls, absence of guardrails to prevent falls, head entrapment dangers, and other injury-causing hazards are examples.
Given that over 60 percent of all accidents are caused by falls to the ground, it is crucial to provide protective surfacing beneath and around all playground equipment to limit the risk of severe head injuries. And because head impact injuries from a fall can be fatal, the more shock-absorbent a surface can be, the less probable it is that any injury will be severe.
Regardless of the playground surfacing material selected, it is impossible to prevent all injuries caused by falls.