March 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
With warmer weather ahead, more people are preparing for outdoor activities. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms each year due to playground injuries – many of which can be prevented. Use these tips, provided by the National Safety Council, to ensure your children a safe playground experience.
Swings-Swings are the pieces of moving equipment on the playground most likely to cause injuries to children. Metal seats or wooden seats on swings should be replaced with soft seats. Swings should be set far away from other playground equipment so that children do not get hit by a moving swing. For younger children, full-bucket seats are recommended. Half-bucket seats are dangerous for babies as they can easily slide out of them.
Careful Climbing-Falling off of climbing equipment or horizontal ladders injures more children on playgrounds than anything else. Children under four years of age should be prohibited from using this type of equipment. When older children are using this equipment, watch them while they are climbing, make sure that handrails and steps are in good, working condition, and make sure that barriers surround higher and raised platforms. Any climbing ropes should be secured at the top and bottom of the equipment.
Soft Surface-Falls cause more than 80 percent of playground injuries. Looking for improper surfacing is the first thing parents should watch for when examining a play area. Avoid playgrounds with concrete, dirt surfaces, and grass as these surfaces are too hard. Playground areas with woodchips, mulch, sand, and/or rubber maps are preferred as these surfaces cushion the ground better than concrete, dirt, or grass.
Safe merry-go-rounds and seesaws-Seesaws that are spring-loaded are best for young children. Adjustable seesaws with chains should be avoided as children can crush their hands under the chains. A “traditional” seesaw should have a tire or other object under the seat to prevent the seat from hitting the hard ground.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a playground accident due to another party’s negligence, contact a West Virginia personal injury lawyer at Manchin Ferretti as soon as possible to discuss your options for legal recourse. An accident lawyer can also help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
