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.…

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)

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)

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)

Examines the impact of the 1981 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for playground safety. Although compliance with the guidelines has not stemmed the rising number of accidents, it has enhanced awareness. This article offers an action plan which all communities can use to help alleviate liability problems. (SM)

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.…

Examines 71 of the 605 licensed child care centers in Atlanta for playground hazards and school accidents. Finds 684 hazards in 66 centers, including climbing equipment over 6 feet high with inadequate impact-absorbing undersurfacing that had over twice the rate of fall injuries as climbing equipment under 6 feet high. (FMW)

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)

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.…