Data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016 showed that as many as 200,000 children are seen annually in emergency rooms for playground injuries. While most of them are treated for cuts or fractures, at least 20,000 are diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. This discovery led the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to publish some safety tips that caregivers can follow when visiting playgrounds.
Among their tips, ACEP emphasized that it’s important that parents and caregivers pay close attention to their children at all times. They noted that it is particularly important for parents to closely monitor their young kids. They should also keep a watchful eye over their older children, even if it seems that they can take care of themselves.
The researchers also emphasized how important it is that caregivers only allow children to play on playground equipment that is appropriate for their age.
The study also recommended that adults closely comb over the playground area before letting kids run loose around it. They should look for broken bottles, syringes, playground equipment that may be in disrepair and other potential hazards before allowing children to begin playing.
Parents and caregivers should not allow kids to play at overcrowded playgrounds. The study emphasized that they should always remind kids of rules that they should follow when playing — including not climbing up slides, pushing, running or walking in the path of swings.
The study also emphasized that children should be dressed comfortably when visiting a playground. Their clothing shouldn’t adversely affect their ability to use their peripheral vision either.
Parents and caregivers often expect for whoever is responsible for a park to do their best to keep it well maintained so no one gets hurt. Sadly, these government agencies’ human and financial resources are often stretched too thin to do so. This is often why kids get hurt on playgrounds.
If your child has suffered serious injuries on a playground, then you should reach out to a personal injury attorney who can help you work to seek compensation from the property owners and possibly others.
