Playground safety surfacing is just as important in backyard playgrounds as it is for public ones. Fortunately, it need not be expensive or difficult to create a suitable surface. Whilst most people opt for ‘loose’ materials, it is possible to buy specialized shock-absorbing mats or tiles which, if installed correctly, are very effective.
There are a number of attractive options in this category. Playground sand and fine gravel work well, and are quite easy to keep clean. Bark 메이저놀이터 mulch and wood chips tend to absorb shocks better and are attractive to look at, though they may be harder to extract litter from. Shredded tires are becoming an increasingly popular choice, since of all the loose materials they are probably the most effective. One of the downsides of using loose materials is that it’s possible that sharp objects such as broken glass or pieces of metal can be hidden below the surface, posing an obvious danger. If you decide on this type of surface, you need to bear in mind that depending on your choice of material, it will need to be 6 to 12 inches deep. You will also need some means of containing the material so it doesn’t spread out over time, reducing its effectiveness.
A more expensive choice, special shock-absorbing mats or tiles have the advantage of being easier to maintain. All they require is regular brushing to remove dirt and litter – it’s much easier than trying to pick small pieces of garbage from wood chips. Also, it’s not necessary to periodically rake the area to ensure an even distribution of the material. There are also ‘pourable’ playground safety surfaces on the market, which are laid in more or less the same way as concrete. It’s probably a good idea to have this type of surface installed by a professional.
Safety concerns can easily take a backseat amid the rush to stock up on fresh school supplies and fall’s hottest elementary-school fashions. But most parents are surprised to know that school-related accidents account for about 2. 2 million injuries each year in children under the age of 14. Happily, many of these are easily preventable.
Playgrounds account for the majority of school-related injuries with falls from equipment making up more than half of these. Adequate playground surfacing – at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch or other loose-fill safety surface – that’s maintained throughout the year is proven to help prevent injuries from falls. Kids will be kids on the playground, and scrapes and bumps are just part of it, but adequate surfacing at your child’s school can help minimize the risks.
Back-to-school time also increases kids’ risk of injury due to traffic, bicycles and school buses. Review ALL basic traffic safety rules with your walkers, car riders and bicycle riders to ensure safe to-and-from school habits. Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet (buy a “cool” one if necessary… it’s cheaper than brain surgery! ) and be certain that bike riders know and follow bicycle rules of the road. Bus riders should arrive at the bus stop early, know and follow the driver’s safety rules, walk several steps away from the bus upon exiting, and wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street.
Possibly the most effective preventative measure against traffic injuries is being organized and on time. Though easier said than done, it’s true that when kids and parents rush to arrive at the last minute, safety rules and caution can be forgotten. Kids dash across the street and parents roll through stop signs – that’s just how accidents happen. It’s a challenge, but adding 15 minutes to your morning routine can dramatically decrease the risks to your family and to others.
Clothing such as drawstring hoods and accessories like backpacks also account for several injuries each year – and even several deaths in the past. Drawstrings and backpack straps can become caught in bus or car doors, a very real and dangerous hazard. Remove or shorten drawstrings on younger kids’ garments and, once adjusted to size, cut loose or dangling backpack straps to help prevent these injuries.
Organized sports are another contributor to the tally of school-related injuries, but these don’t have to be “just part of the game. ” Parents should be fully aware of all risks and make sure kids are properly conditioned, prepared for the physical demands of the sport, and that the proper safety equipment is always used. Also ensure that the school’s sports program is prepared to treat emergencies during both practice and competition.