Children love visiting the playground and it provides an opportunity to have fun while exercising. Unfortunately not all playgrounds are safe, making it important to discuss playground safety with your children.
It is important to teach children ways to prevent playground injuries.
If you are with your child, checking equipment is important but teaching children to check themselves will ensure their safety when you are not around. Check swings for broken links or damaged parts. Also check all equipment for missing bolts and parts. If your child is old enough to read, make sure they look for signs and follow written rules.
Children should use equipment properly.
Teach kids not to stand on swings or climb on areas not intended for climbing. Encourage children to take turns and to never push or roughhouse on the playground. Children should make sure other kids are not occupying the same area to avoid collisions. Teach children to check slides before sliding down and to never climb up a slide. Further, check equipment in direct sunlight to avoid serious burns. In Alaska, children should also know to steer away from cold surfaces in winter and always wear winter gear while outside.
Playground injuries are often scary and confusing, especially for the child.
Sadly, playground equipment does not receive proper maintenance and children can get hurt. If that happens, it is important for the owner of the playground to be held liable. Children are young and sometimes fragile; adults have a responsibility to make sure play areas are safe. If your child suffers injuries on a playground, take photos of the incident location and contact an attorney to discuss your case.
The Merdes Law Office has helped injured Alaskans for more than 30 years, it’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
Source: KidsHealth from Nemours, “Playground Safety“
