Inadequate soft fall surface
Inappropriatedesign
Entrapment
Protrusion and sharp
objects
Uneven
surfaces
Poor maintenance
Poor or inadequate supervisio
n
Risk factors that contribute to playground safety
The Physical Environment Factor
• Inadequate fencing• Climbing equipment that does not meet
safety standards• Trip hazards such as poorly constructed
pathways or poorly set out play areas• Lack of appropriate soft-fall• Lack of safety devices such as child-
resistant locks on gates and cupboards• Inappropriately fitted child restraints on
highchairs
“Ride the bikes on the path”Emma, 5 years 5 months
Safety Considerations:– The layout and use of spaces– Placement of furniture and
furnishings– Physical space provided– The age and number of children– Should allow for maximum
supervision of children at all times
Safe Indoor Play Spaces
Safety considerations:– Layout; i.e soft fall– Fixed equipment
• Entrapment• Protrusion and sharp
objects– Loose parts
• Uneven surfaces– Maintenance
Safe Outdoor Play Spaces
The Age Factor Children will often do the unexpected • They can act impulsively without thought or fear to the
safety of themselves and others• They may use equipment in ways that are dangerous • They can quickly scale fences/barriers• They have limited understanding of the capabilities of
others • They may rearrange equipment making it unsafe
The Age Factor Birth–12 months• Rolls, wriggles, grasps moves, puts
objects in mouth
Hazards• Burns, falls, choking, sharp objects,
bath, small objects, poisoning, falls
The Age Factor1–2 years• Investigates, climbs, opens doors,
takes things apart, puts things in mouth
Hazards• Gates, windows, doors, water,
poisons, burns, falls
The Age Factor 2–3 years• Moves about, tries to do things
alone, climbs, imitates and explores, runs, impatient, likes playing in water, can be fearless
Hazards• Water, traffic, toys that pull apart,
burns, household poisons, rough play, outdoor play equipment
The Age Factor 3–6 years• Explores, climbs, rides bike, likes
rough play, plays out of sight of adults, imitates actions of adults, fascinated by fire, likes to play in water
Hazards• Tools and equipment, poisons and
burns, falls from climbing, drowning, traffic
The Age Factor6–12 years• Plays away from home, participates in team
sports, subject to dares and peer-group pressure, rides bike on road, engaged in greater risk-taking behaviour
Hazards• Traffic, drowning, risk-taking behaviour
The Behaviour Factor • Inability of the child to understand and anticipate cause
and effect• Lack of fear• Ability to concentrate and stay ‘on task’/easily distracted• Emotional status such as anger, fear or shyness • The degree of stress the child is experiencing• The young child’s tendency to imitate others.
The Gender FactorThe rate of accidental injuries is far higher in boys than in girls.
Causes: • the type of play that boys and girls typically engage in -
boys are generally more active, and take more risks in their play.
• Boys also tend to play games that involve greater physical contact and more active ‘rough’ play than girls.
The Adult Factor• Lack of adequate supervision or close attention
• Lack of knowledge or understanding of child development and risks factors at each developmental stage
• Lack of communication – this may include failure to give clear, adequate or developmentally appropriate instructions to children
The Adult Factor• Failure to take adequate safety precautions on behalf of
the child
• The emotional or stress level of the adult may result in loss of concentration, poor judgement or lack of vigilance
• A distracted carer, particularly during arrival and departure times when carers are talking to parents.