We all know that children have a decreased sense of danger in comparison to adults. They are still learning about the world, are naturally curious and want to be active. Public playgrounds can be a great opportunity to allow your children to learn, socialize and play. However, playgrounds can come with certain dangers.
Playgrounds are subject to regulations and inspections from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, there has been a recent troubling incident in California where a child was fatally injured on a playground. It is important, therefore, that you exercise reasonable caution to ensure your child’s safety and that you report any unsafe situation.
How can public playground accidents be prevented?
There are many ways to ensure the safety of public playgrounds. It is first vital that all play equipment is installed correctly. This means making sure that all playground equipment has a minimum of 12 inches of wood chips or gravel material. Additionally, all equipment exceeding a height of 30 inches should be positioned at least 9 feet apart.
Secondly, parents and carers can do their part in enforcing the safety of the child. They should be vigilant regarding sharp objects or tripping hazards. They should also make sure that their child is always supervised, and the children are not overcrowding the equipment. For example, it would be unsafe to allow more than one child to use a swing at the same time.
If your child has been injured on a playground, you may be able to claim damages against the premises in question if you can prove that negligence was present.