Why Playground Safety Matters

Each year, over 200,000 children visit emergency rooms due to playground-related injuries, with falls accounting for more than 70% of these incidents. Many of these injuries are preventable with proper surfacing, equipment maintenance, and supervision. FallZone’s checklist is designed to identify and address common hazards, ensuring playgrounds are safe havens for kids to enjoy.

The FallZone “Dirty Dozen” Playground Hazards

FallZone’s safety checklist highlights 12 critical areas to inspect, which they call the “Dirty Dozen.” Below, we summarize the key points and offer actionable insights to mitigate these risks:

1. Improper Protective Playground Surfacing
The surface under and around playground equipment is the leading cause of fall-related injuries. Hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, packed earth, or grass are unsafe and can result in life-threatening injuries. FallZone Safety Surfacing recommends shock-absorbing surfaces such as their FallZonne Poured-in-Place playground surface or FallZone Synthetic Grass playground surfacing systems, which cushion falls and meet safety standards. Ensure the surfacing extends at least six feet in all directions from equipment to cover the fall zone adequately.

2. Inadequate Fall Zone
A fall zone is the area under and around playground equipment where a child might land after a fall. This playground fall zone must be covered with protective FallZone Playground Surfacing and extend a minimum of six feet from stationary equipment like climbers or slides. For swings, the fall zone playground surfacing should be twice the height of the pivot point to the playground surface. Regularly check that playground surface fall zones are clear and properly surfaced with FallZone Playground Surfacing. 

3. Protrusion and Entanglement Hazards
Protrusions like bolts or sharp edges can cause cuts or injuries, while ropes or chains can pose entanglement risks. Inspect equipment for loose or frayed ropes and ensure all hardware is flush and covered to prevent hazards.

4. Entrapment in Openings
Openings on equipment, such as between platforms or at the top of slides, must be checked for head entrapment risks. Openings should be smaller than 3.5 inches or larger than 9 inches to prevent a child’s body from passing through while trapping their head. Pay special attention to climbers and slides.

5. Insufficient Equipment Spacing
Overcrowding can lead to collisions and injuries. Ensure equipment taller than 24 inches has non-overlapping fall zones and adequate spacing to allow safe movement. Follow Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines for proper layout.

6. Trip Hazards
Exposed tree roots, uneven surfaces, or debris can cause trips and falls. Regularly inspect and maintain the playground surface to keep playground surfaces even and clear of obstacles. FallZone’s playground surfacing seamless playground surfacing options, like FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing, help minimize trip risks.

7. Lack of Supervision
Over 40% of playground injuries are linked to inadequate supervision. Playgrounds should be designed for easy adult oversight, and parents or caregivers must actively monitor children, especially younger ones who may not recognize hazards.

8. Age-Inappropriate Activities
Equipment must match the developmental needs of its users, as children aged 2 to 12 have varying abilities. Ensure playgrounds have separate areas or equipment designed for specific age groups to prevent injuries from overly challenging structures.

9. Lack of Maintenance
Worn or broken equipment can become hazardous. Implement a regular maintenance schedule to check for rust, loose parts, or damaged surfacing, and address issues promptly.

10. Pinch, Crush, and Shearing Points
Moving parts, such as those on seesaws or swings, can pinch or crush fingers. Inspect equipment to ensure moving components are smooth and free of gaps that could cause injury.

11. Poor Drainage
Standing water can make surfaces slippery and degrade surfacing materials. Ensure proper drainage systems are in place and consider FallZone’s playground surfacing permeable surfacing options like FallZone Splash Pad Playground Surfacing or FallZone Synthetic Grass playground surfacing for quick-drying play areas.

12. Equipment Not Recommended for Public Playgrounds
Certain equipment, such as heavy animal figure swings, free-swinging ropes, or exercise rings, is not suitable for public playgrounds due to high injury risks. The CPSC advises against their use, though short-chained ring treks are permissible. Remove or replace any such equipment.

Taking Action: How to Use the Checklist

FallZone’s checklist is a practical tool for anyone responsible for a playground, from school administrators to community park managers. Here’s how to put it into practice:

– Conduct Regular Inspections: Use the FallZone “Dirty Dozen” as a guide to assess your playground. Check surfacing, equipment, and layout at least monthly or after heavy use.
– Report Hazards: If you identify any of the listed hazards, inform the playground owner or operator immediately. Prompt reporting can prevent injuries.
– Invest in Quality Playground Surfacing: FallZone offers a range of playground surfacing solutions, including FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing, a durable two-layer system with a recycled rubber base and a colorful TPV wear layer, and FallZone Synthetic Grass playground surface, which combines safety with a natural look. These surfaces meet CPSC, ASTM, and ADA guidelines.
– Prioritize Supervision and Education: Train staff and educate parents on the importance of active supervision and teaching children safe play habits, like sliding feet-first and landing with bent knees.
– Consult Experts: For new installations or upgrades, contact FallZone Safety Surfacing at 1-888-808-1587 or visit https://fallzonesafetysurfacing.com/ to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Why Choose FallZone Safety Surfacing?

With 25 years of experience, FallZone Safety Surfacing is a trusted nationwide provider of playground surfacing solutions. Their products, including FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surface and FallZone Synthetic Grass playground surface are eco-friendly, customizable, and designed to exceed safety standards. Testimonials from clients, like The Learning Experience in New Jersey, highlight FallZone’s efficiency and quality, noting how their surfacing transformed unsafe playgrounds into vibrant, safe spaces.

Playgrounds should spark joy, not worry. By using FallZone’s Playground Safety Check List at https://fallzonesafetysurfacing.com/fallzone-playground-safety-check-list/, you can identify and address hazards before they cause harm. Whether you’re a parent checking a local park or a facility manager upgrading a playground, this checklist empowers you to prioritize safety. Pair it with FallZone’s high-quality surfacing solutions, and you’ll create a play environment where children can thrive safely.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit https://fallzonesafetysurfacing.com/ or call 1-888-808-1587. Let’s make every playground a safe zone for fun!