March 6, 2014
Playground Hazards

A playground hazard is anything in a playspace that has the potential to cause serious injuries. Hazards differ from challenges and risks – children need opportunities to experience risk and challenge in playgrounds.

Common playground hazards include:

  • Hard surfaces under equipment
  • Inadequate fall zones and playground surfacing
  • Lack of maintenance, broken or faulty equipment
  • Inadequate supervision
  • Potential entrapment hazards
  • Pinch points and sharp edges
  • Protrusions and tangling hazards
  • High platforms without barriers
  • Inappropriate use or play
  • Trip hazards
  • Overcrowded play areas, and;
  • Contamination with dangerous items such as broken glass and syringes

Careful planning, design and maintenance can assist in avoiding these hazards and preventing or reducing the severity of playground injuries.