Playground safety can be easily overlooked, but its importance cannot be overstated. According to CDC research covering 2001–2013, U.S. emergency departments treated an annual average of more than 200,000 children ages 14 and under for playground-related injuries, including more than 20,000 with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
If you’re responsible for promoting playground safety, you play an important role in protecting children. This guide covers playground rules, safety signs, and practical steps for maintaining a safer play area.
Establish Clear Playground Safety Rules
One of the first—and potentially most important—steps in creating a safe playground is to establish clear playground rules. These should cover:
- Opening and closing times
- Age requirements
- Instructions for using equipment
- Prohibited items, such as glass and alcohol
- Other rules specific to your facility
Playground rules may vary depending on the location. For example, a school playground may also need signs that discourage bullying.
Once you establish your playground rules, communicate them by posting safety signs throughout the playground.
Post Playground Safety Signs
Playground safety signs help communicate and reinforce rules, especially when a supervisor is not nearby to point out unsafe behavior.
Examples of playground safety signs include:
- Playground rules signs
- Hot surface warning signs
- Equipment instructions
- Custom playground rules signs specific to your facility
Playground Equipment, Surfacing, and Supervision Tips
Along with clear rules and safety signs, the following steps can help improve playground safety:
- Inspect and maintain equipment regularly. Old, broken, and worn equipment can be dangerous. Follow a regular maintenance and inspection schedule, and repair or replace equipment before it becomes unsafe.
- Consider safety when purchasing equipment. Research the equipment’s design and safety features, and check for recalls.
- Use protective playground surfacing. Falls are a common cause of playground injuries, so the surface around equipment should have suitable protective material. Rubber, sand, and wood chips can provide protection when properly selected, installed, and maintained for the equipment’s fall height.
- Ensure proper playground supervision. For schools, this means having staff supervise children during recess. Supervision can be more difficult in parks, where signs encouraging parental supervision can help reinforce its importance.
Taking appropriate precautions can help reduce playground injuries. For your playground safety sign needs, count on Allstate Sign & Plaque. Browse our collection of playground safety signs to find the right signs for your facility.