Safe Childs Playground

As medical doctors who treat injuries to bones and muscles, orthopaedic surgeons often see children who have been hurt in playgrounds. Help children avoid injury. Make sure your child's playground is free of hazards. Use this checklist when you inspect the playground.

1. Are any pieces of playground equipment missing supports, anchors or footings?

2. Are any supports, anchors or footings damaged or loose?

3. Are there sharp edges or points on any of the equipment?

4. Has the wood started to splinter or rot?

5. Are surface materials missing or damaged?

6. Are there any missing, loose or damaged nuts and bolts on the equipment?

7. Are any seats broken?

8. Is any of the metal bent, rusted or warped?

9. Are bolts or tubes missing their protective end caps?

10. Are swing hangers and chains broken or worn?

11. Are hooks, rings or links misshapen or deformed?

12. Are there any broken, missing or loose steps?

13. Are there broken, missing, or loose guard and handrails?

14. Are any ladder rungs missing, broken or loose?

15. Is there glass, cans or trash on the ground in the area?

16. Can you see tree roots or rocks sticking up that could cause a child to trip and fall?

If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes," this playground is not safe for your child. Bring your list and report the playground to local park or school officials. Or contact your local orthopaedic surgeon and ask how you can help build a safe, accessible playground in your area.

March 2003