The purpose of this study was to investigate school playground safety practices. The study used a purposeful sample of school nurses who attended a playground safety workshop at the 2006 National Association of School Nurses annual conference. Seventy-five questionnaires were distributed, and 64 useable questionnaires were returned. The responses…

Article lists several common playground hazards and suggests a student made film on the subject of playground safety. (GB)

Provides tips on how to avoid accidents and injuries on school playgrounds. Tips include removing of old, dangerous equipment; relocating play areas to safer ground; choosing the right surface; factoring in long-term costs for replenishing and redistributing loose materials; and considering Americans with Disabilities Act issues. (GR)

Since a more imaginative playground landscape induces more children to participate in play activities, increased safety precautions must be taken by school and recreational personnel. (LH)

The National Action Plan for the Prevention of Playground Injuries identifies four areas of playground risks that cause most playground injuries and deaths, including inappropriate equipment size for the age of the children, hard surfaces, inadequate supervision, and inadequate maintenance. Parents and school staff must become educated about these…

An interview with Mark White on his views of playground safety is presented in this article. Some of the featured interview questions include: (1) How did you start to focus so intently on playground safety?; (2) There was no central accumulation of injury information?; (3) What's an example of an injury report that led to an improvement?; (4)…

The Consumer Product Safety Commission's "Handbook for Public Playground Safety" stands as the industry's reference tool and is a primary source for measuring liability in accident claims. Today's playground accidents are usually caused by poor maintenance, antiquated design, or layout problems. A series of tests are available for…

Noting that 90 percent of serious playground injuries result from falls to hard surfaces, this paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various playground surfacing materials in terms of cost, climate, durability, aesthetics, and play value. Findings are based on the personal experience of the author, government documents, laboratory…

A survey, based on site visits to 206 randomly selected playgrounds in school systems in 23 states, notes numerous safety problems. The designer of more than 75 playgrounds offers guidelines that improve the safety as well as the physical fitness value of school playgrounds. (MLF)

A South Carolina school district has initiated an organized approach to playground safety that includes (1) a strict board policy governing the selection, purchase, and installation of school playground equipment; (2) regular inspections; (3) proper surfacing materials; (4) proper supervision; and (5) equipment replacement schedule. (MLF)

Playgrounds traditionally have been found in both schools and parks in America. Each year, parent-teacher associations and school administrations, as well as park and recreation departments, spend millions of dollars to provide playground structures. However, since 1981, HPER professionals and the public have become increasingly aware that these…

The articles in this monograph reflect the findings of a national survey that assessed the condition and needs of elementary school playground equipment. The following articles are presented: (1) "The Committee on Play and Its Mission" (D. Thompson); (2) "The National Survey of Elementary School Playground Equipment" (L. Bowers); (3) "Results of…

Presents a brief quiz for parents to see if their child's school building is taking basic steps to ensure a safe learning environment (e.g., Is the building locked? Are strict guidelines in place when students participate in field trips? Is adult supervision always maintained on playgrounds?). Suggested action plans are included. A sidebar offers…

Safe playgrounds are an essential mission for public park, recreation, education, and child care agencies. The article describes how to create safety programs and offers lists of safety program components, safety inspection steps, and preventive maintenance schedules. It also presents playground safety checklists and notes three available…

Playgrounds for early childhood programs are places where children can play freely--exploring the natural environment, learning about their bodies, creating friendships, and practicing physical skills. In April, 2000, The National Program for Playground Safety released the results of the most comprehensive national survey of child care, school,…