The sounds of kids playing on a playground are a good signal that summer is upon us. Summer is the perfect time of year to get kids outside and active and the playground is a great place for that, but there are also opportunities for injury in a playground setting that all adults and children should be aware of.
Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control found that more than 200,000 playground related injuries are reported to hospital emergency rooms each year. In many cases these injuries can be avoided.
Before you even make it to the playground you can take one very easy step to prevent injury, look in the mirror. Make sure that there are no dangling strings or cords hanging from your child’s clothing and that he/she is not wearing any dangling jewelry or scarves that could become a strangulation hazard.
Choose a playground wisely. The newest playgrounds are made with playing surfaces that are safer than the old asphalt playing surfaces. Falls on playgrounds with shock absorbent playing surfaces will be less severe than those on hard, non-forgiving surfaces.
Once you’re at the playground, make sure you inspect the equipment your child will be playing on. A swing that is not attached properly or a climbing structure that is missing a rung could lead to serious injury.
While your child is playing, always be watching. An active eye is needed to insure that your child is playing properly and in accordance with the rules of the playscape.
Playgrounds are fun, but there are things you should be looking out for before and during your child’s time playing.
The Connecticut injury lawyers at Leighton, Katz, and Drapeau wish you and your family a safe and healthy summer.
