Analysis of Playground Injuries and Litigation.

A study analyzed 82 cases of playground injuries and litigation (including 7 fatalities) in 28 states. In order of frequency, injuries happened in public schools, public parks, child care centers, apartment complexes, fast food restaurants, backyards, recreation camps, state parks, and state schools. Sixty-five percent of all injuries resulted from falls, either onto hard surfaces or from equipment, supporting the need for shock absorbing surfaces and "fall free" equipment. Other causes of injury, in order of frequency, include: (1) shearing action; (2) impact by swings; (3) head entrapment; (4) rowdy behavior; (5) choking on cords; (6) open S-hooks; (7) burns from bare metal; (8) cuts from glass; (9) equipment collapse; and (10) cuts from metal. Pieces of equipment involved.in injuries include, in order of frequency: (1) swings; (2) slides; (3) merry-go-rounds; (4) horizontal ladders; (5) fire poles; (6) climbers; (7) superstructure components; (8) jungle gyms; and (9) ropes, geodesic domes, chinning bars, spring rides, concrete culverts, and bare metal. Of the children injured, 79 percent were between the ages of 3 and 7; 57 percent were boys, and 43 percent were girls. Results indicate that conforming to minimum safety criteria would prevent most fatalities and serious injuries. (Contains 10 references and 7 diagrams.) (.114) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Oil ice of Em.caLond, Reseurcn ao.l improve,EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it 0 Mmor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy ANALYSIS OF PLAYGROUND INJURIES AND LITIGATION