So, just how safe are your playgrounds?
Playground injuries can have lasting effects for both the injured and the playground owners.
Several playground injuries have resulted in monetary awards of six figures and larger. So, just how safe are your playgrounds? Here’s what you need to know:
Inspections & Maintenance
It is important to keep playgrounds functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. To accomplish these goals, an inspection & maintenance program should be implemented.
A critical element of this program is to first complete an audit inspection. This is a nuts-and-bolts level inspection and compares your equipment to the ASTM F1487-21 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use. F1487-21 and the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook are the two primary documents that public owners/operators should utilize when developing an inspection program. Once the non-compliant conditions have been identified and corrected, you have achieved your standard of care, overall reducing the potential for injuries as well as liability exposure.
“How often do we inspect?” – The most common question asked.
- For public schools, this means a minimum of one inspection cycle per month.
- For public park owners, in addition to extent of use, other factors like vandalism, accidents, age of the equipment, and environmental issues such as drainage and location can be integral factors in determining your inspection frequency.
No two parks/playgrounds are the same!
Contact an Astra Insurance risk management representative for more information.
To ensure your equipment is inspected properly, we recommend the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) training program. This program provides the basis for the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough inspections.