How To Keep Your Child Safe On Playgrounds

May 31, 2022, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Playground Safety

The nicer weather finds all the parks open again and kids playing in them. Most people don’t think twice about letting their kids play on the climbing structures or in the parks. Millions of children play on equipment daily and learn new skills and get exercise. Unfortunately, these spaces can still be dangerous and should be used properly.

Keeping Your Child Safe In A Playground

Playgrounds offer children places to play and they should be safe and secure. Parents are left to decide whether a playground and its equipment is up to date, well maintained and safe for their children.

Who Is Most Likely To Be Hurt on a Playground? 

Children aged 5-9 are most likely to be hurt particularly when no adults are supervising or when the equipment is overcrowded. According to the City of Toronto, injuries are serious especially when children fall from high surfaces onto hard landing areas. 

Why Do Kids Get Hurt in Playgrounds?

Children don’t have fully developed risk assessment skills and because of that:

• Children cannot judge the distances of equipment and whether they can reach it
• They cannot assess the dangers of jumping balancing or climbing
• They are overconfident
• Boys are more likely to be hurt than girls
• They attempt to do new activities before they are strong or big enough to do them safely (or at all)

Often injuries occur in these spaces. Falls are common and playground equipment is a leading cause of injuries and emergency room visits for children. Take a few minutes when you arrive at the playground to talk to your kids about the dangers and proper use of the spaces.

Public Playground Safety:

The following are good things to consider to keep your child safe.

• Has scarves, drawstrings or loose clothes that can get wound on or stick in the playground equipment.
• If the child is using their bike or a skateboard or scooter in the playground they should be wearing a helmet and other safety equipment.
• Always check the playground structure. If it is broken or appears worn and unsafe then do not allow your child to play on it. Report the issues to the managers of the space (city, school board etc).
• Swings should be securely attached, there should be no sharp or broken edges on any surfaces
• On sunny days the equipment can become dangerously hot – especially older metal slides. These surfaces can cause burns.
• Always remain present when your children are playing.
• Praise your kids when they perform well
• Remind them when they aren’t following the rules.
• Be a positive role model by playing safely and wearing safety equipment when you are active.
• Stand beside your child or hold out your hand for balance when children are trying a new skill.
• Ensure that the surface beneath the play structure is safe. It should be a soft material at least 12” or 30 cm deep to help absorb the impact of any falls.
• Check the area for glass, needles, nails and other hazardous objects.

Establish and review rules:

• No standing on swings. Don’t walk in front or behind swings
• Don’t jump off swings or high surfaces in playgrounds
• Always use railings
• Use slides appropriately one person at a time – go down feet first on your bottom
• Never play or loiter at the bottom of the slide

Backyard Play Equipment Can Be Extremely Dangerous:

Remember that private playgrounds are not subject to any rules. Trampolines, and play equipment on private property can be very dangerous as they often aren’t regularly inspected or maintained. There are no regulations or standards for them, their construction or placement. Injuries are very common.

What If My Child Is Injured On a Playground?

If your child is injured in an accident on a playground due to faulty or poorly maintained equipment, they may be entitled to make a claim for damages. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Deutschmann Law as soon as possible if your child is injured for a free consultation. Protect your child and their future. We are here for you.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.