With summer in full swing, many churches are seeing their playgrounds being used frequently for the enjoyment of many. However, as much fun as playgrounds can be, it is never fun should an accident or injury occur. To help keep your playgrounds safe, consider these tips.
It’s important to ensure that all your playground equipment, from slides to swings, is in proper working order and is not broken or worn down, which could make accidents and injuries more likely to happen. For example, make sure that all the “S” hooks on swings are in good condition. Or, check merry-go-rounds for rust or cracks and make necessary repairs to issues identified. Many injuries due to equipment issues can be avoided with proper maintenance.
Making sure the surfaces on and surrounding your playground are in good shape is of utmost importance. Surfaces should be free from debris, cracks, and holes in order to help prevent slips, trips and falls. Additionally, remember that the majority of injuries that happen on a playground are falls, and the surfaces children fall onto can make a difference. It is recommended that playground surfaces have at least 12 inches of mulch, wood chips, sand, or pea gravel or mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials. Playground surfaces should not be concrete, asphalt, grass, turf, or dirt. Remember to also have your playground surfaces extend at or beyond the recommended distances from equipment.
This may seem like it goes without saying, but providing proper supervision while playgrounds are in use can go a long way in helping to prevent accidents and injuries that can lead to expensive claims. Children should be supervised by adults at all times. Supervision can be provided by parents, volunteers, or church employees.
A good rule for any space, keeping your playground clean and sanitized is important. Setting up sanitizing stations is helpful as well as frequent cleaning of equipment and surfaces. Again, keeping playgrounds clean can also entail removing debris and other items that could be slip, trip, or fall hazards.
A playground is an extension of your church property. To help protect your church, ensure that you have appropriate property & casualty coverage in place should the unexpected happen.
By taking these steps, your playground can be a safer place for children to gather and enjoy your church and its property.
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Suracy and/or Suracy Faith is Suracy Insurance Agency, Inc.