Playgrounds are great places where children can play freely, exercise, and socialize. But it is important to consider the safety of children on playgrounds and be aware of the most dangerous playground equipment and the potential hazards associated with it. It is vital to take some precautions.
What are the most dangerous playground equipment?
While all playground equipment has supervision and safety measures in place, some playground equipment may cause injury.
Swing
Swings are common amusement equipment, loved by children and trusted by parents, but they do have a high injury rate.
When swinging, you may swing too high or too hard, colliding with surrounding objects. If a child walks in front of or behind the swing, there is also a risk of being hit by the swing, causing physical injury. Some naughty children jump off the swing while swinging, which may cause falls and injuries.
We must educate and supervise children to use the swing correctly and ensure that there is enough space between the swing and other objects. Let children maintain a correct sitting posture, do not swing too high, and get off after the swing stops steadily. Do not let multiple children sit on one swing. At the same time, choose swing equipment that is qualified and well maintained.
Slides
Slides are common recreational facilities in children's playgrounds. They can bring fun and exercise to children, but if they are used improperly or there are problems with the facilities, they will become dangerous slides playgrounds and may cause harm to children.
Children may be injured when playing on slides due to excessive speed, incorrect posture or collision with other children. At the joints of the slide, the gap between the handrail and the slide, when children slide up and down the slide or play, their fingers may be inserted into the gap, which may cause pinching.
In order to reduce the occurrence of danger, it is necessary to supervise and teach children to use the slide correctly to improve the safety of play. When playing, keep children at a safe distance to avoid collisions. At the same time, check the safety of the slide to ensure that there is no damage and excessive gaps.
Climbing Structure
Climbing structures are common facilities in playgrounds or outdoor activity areas. They can train children's physical coordination, strength and courage, but they are also relatively dangerous playground equipment.
Falling from heights is a major problem, causing fractures. Gaps and openings in climbing facilities may cause pinching hazards. Children chase and push each other during climbing, which can easily lead to collisions.
In order to better protect children, the ground needs to be equipped with soft cushioning ground materials (such as rubber mats and sand). Parents and teachers should teach children the correct climbing method, and ensure that the climbing facilities meet safety standards, are not loose, and are regularly inspected and maintained.
Trampoline
Trampoline is a popular amusement facility for children, which allows them to jump and roll freely. It is also a relatively unsafe playground equipment. It may cause some harm to children.
Trampoline can cause a lot of injuries due to falls, unstable landings or collisions between children. It is easy to break bones or be injured by impact. Parents and coaches should teach children the correct trampoline skills and safety knowledge. It is best to go to a special trampoline amusement park with formal and safe trampoline facilities and closely monitor children while they are playing.
Carousel
The carousel is a classic amusement ride, but it can also be dangerous. The carousel goes up and down and rotates, and children may get hurt by collisions. If they do not sit in the correct position, there is a risk of falling. They may also feel dizzy and fall. Parents should ensure that their children ride correctly, and it is best for them to ride together.
Seesaws
Seesaws are common children's playground equipment, but they can also easily cause injuries. When children of different weights sit on the ends of the seesaw, the smaller child may be thrown into the air or suffer fall-related injuries. Some children's hands or fingers may be pinched between the ends of the board and under the central support point.
Sandboxes
Sandboxes can bring a lot of fun and benefits to children, but if the sand in the sandbox is not cleaned and disinfected regularly, it may breed pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Sand entering the eyes can cause discomfort such as eye pain, tearing, redness and swelling. Try to choose clean sand or a home sandbox.
Common playground injuries
Children often get abrasions, pinches, or crush injuries in playgrounds. These are minor injuries. If a child is injured by dangerous playground equipment, he or she should go to the hospital for examination. Such injuries include fractures, concussions, dislocations, sprains, pulls, strangulations, and organ damage. Banned playground equipment is very dangerous to children. Parents or staff should supervise children's play.
How to avoid recreational hazards
There are several key factors to reduce the danger of playgrounds. Parents should choose regular playgrounds, which are usually more strict and professional in terms of facility maintenance and safety management, and can reduce the probability of danger from the source. Before playing, tell your child which playground equipment is suitable for him and the correct way to play. Do not let your child wear sportswear with drawstrings, necklaces or helmets to prevent entanglement and neck injury. After playing, carefully check the child's physical condition.
You've learned about the most dangerous playground equipment, the dangers and common accidents associated with swings, climbing frames, slides, and carousels. Regular playground maintenance, supervision, age-appropriate equipment, and parental education on safe play habits for children are key.
