Background: There is a need for greater international understanding of student safety in schools. This New Zealand study investigated the causes and school location of fractures sustained by students attending elementary school, with special emphasis on the types of fractures sustained following falls from playground equipment of various heights.…

Accidents, mishaps, injuries can happen in any classroom, cafeteria, gym, hallway, playground and the teacher is probably the first adult to arrive on the scene. These guidelines on how to respond to 10 common school accidents explain what steps to take. (Author/RK)

An analysis is made of the cost effectiveness of school health services and their ultimate benefits to the school health care system. The cost of health services is calculated against the various types of services provided to students. (JN)

Every day, more than 575 children are treated in emergency rooms for playground-related injuries. Offers 10 key principles for playground safety. (MLF)

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)

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)

Epidemiologic features of playground equipment-related injuries were studied in Tucson, Arizona, over a two-year period. One-fourth of the injuries were severe, and climbing equipment was involved in a disproportionate number of accidents. Schools with smaller enrollments and alternative schools had more injuries than larger or traditional…

Offers schools and parent-teacher groups an organized, systematic approach to the development, building, and maintenance of a safe playground. Includes advice on (1) initial planning strategies; (2) safety guidelines for the selection of equipment and surface materials; (3) layout and design; and (4) installation and maintenance. (TJQ)

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.…

This safety guide for elementary school science teachers who plan science activities or laboratories for their students, presents information in the form of a flip chart that can be posted in the classroom and referred to in an emergency. Space is provided for emergency telephone numbers. A safety checklist is given for the teacher. Topics…

The problem of playground equipment safety is far more complex than first appears. Children often use their imaginations and the equipment in ways which manufacturers, teachers and parents never foresaw. The penalty for such imaginative miscalculations is far too high. (Author)

Lists the components of an inservice program on school safety and liability: discussions of current trends, legal terminology, specific cases, tort liability, and a safety survey of the environment and teaching practices. (Author/JM)

Findings of a Virginia study to determine if a need exists for statewide standards to ensure the safety of school playgrounds are presented in this document. Data were derived from a literature review, document analysis, and two statewide surveys: one to all school division superintendents (75); and one to the principals of 54 elementary schools.…

This pamphlet deals with incorporating effective safety education programs into the elementary school curriculum. Covered in a discussion of the scope and nature of the safety problem are classes of accidents (motor vehicle, home, work, and public accidents) and causes of accidents. Various functions of safety education in elementary schools are…