To reduce playground accidents, schools should (1) audit their playgrounds for compliance with current safety guidelines; (2) employ a risk manager; (3) develop a safety curriculum; and (4) put more emphasis on teaching basic movement competence to students. (MLF)

An analysis of school district student injury reports revealed that 62 to 80 percent of all elementary school injuries were occurring on the playground, and that students were the major cause of injury. After a series of student-orientation rules and staff-orientation programs, injuries as a pilot site decreased by 78 percent for the year. (MLF)

A survey of hospital emergency rooms revealed that nearly half of all playground falls resulted in head injuries. Playground surfaces should be evaluated for "Surface Impact Performance" and the "Severity Index"--both measures to determine ability to absorb impact. Nine other playground hazards are illustrated and described.…