In recent years, it is estimated that there were more than 156,000 injuries annually on public playgrounds access the country that require emergency room treatment. Most injuries occur when a child falls onto the playground surface. Check with school officials to make sure that equipment has been inspected and maintained. There should be at least nine inches of safe, shock absorbing surface material, and proper clearance around the equipment. Make sure exposed hardware or free-hanging ropes are not part of the equipment.

Ropes and clothing catching on exposed hardware can be strangulation hazards. Elevated surfaces, like platforms and ramps, should have guardrails to prevent falls. School officials should be aware that shading at the playground with trees or other structures is an important consideration to reduce children's exposure to the sun. Schools should also be aware that hot sun can make playground slides and black rubber matting burn hazards for children.  

Listen to CPSC's podcast on playground safety at http://www.cpsc.gov/mp3.html

For a FREE copy of the CPSC Handbook for Public Playground Safety Pub 325 2008 - click here