Active and creative play is essential for children's growth, development and learning. Play provides opportunities for children to become physically active, as well as facilitating social interaction and assisting with the development of self-esteem.
Play is a fun and exciting experience for children, however, there is a risk of injury if appropriate safety precautions are not taken. Children are most commonly injured when they fall from playground equipment such as monkey bars, climbing equipment and trampolines in public parks and in their own backyards. Falls from bikes, scooters and skateboards are also common causes of play injury.
However, most injuries associated with play can be easily prevented. Below are some tips on safe play practice for children and advice on what to look for in terms of safe play equipment and toys for children to reduce their risk of injury.
Toys, playground equipment and play spaces
To reduce the risk of injury and make playtime safe and fun for children ensure that:
- Children have a safe play area that is located away from potential hazards including driveways and bodies of water.
- Soft impact absorbing material, such as tanbark, is placed underneath and around all equipment including backyard equipment, to a depth of 30 cm. Other materials such as rubber based surfacing materials are also suitable.
- Playing surfaces have a low UV reflectance and are in good condition with no hazards such as exposed sprinklers.
- Children are separated from pets, especially at feeding times.
- Toys are age appropriate and suitable for the child's size and stage of development.
- All toys conform to relevant Australian Standards (look for marks on the packaging).
- Play equipment and surfaces are not slippery. Especially after rain.
- Safety barriers conforming to relevant Australian standards are erected and maintained around all pools and spas.
Weather conditions
Children are highly susceptible to extremes in temperature and the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation so it is important to ensure that:
- Children stay well hydrated and drink plenty of water before, during and after activities.
- Children are dressed appropriately for activities in cold weather as they can lose body heat quickly.
- Children have access to shady play spaces. Active outdoor play is encouraged when children are wearing cool, covering clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
- SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is applied to any areas of the skin not covered by clothing. If practical wear sunglasses in accordance with Australian Standards.
Helmet
A standards approved helmet should be worn for cycling, scooting and skating (including skateboarding, roller and in-line) snowboarding and skiing. The helmet should be:
- A snug fit and securely fastened. If the helmet moves backwards or forwards the risk of injury is increased.
- In good condition. Never use a second hand helmet or a helmet that has been involved in an incident. Damage can reduce protection and maybe invisible to the eye.
Helmets are not recommended when children are playing on playground equipment.
Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads
Wrist guards, knee and elbow pads should be work for all skating activities and snowboarding.
Wrist guards have been designed to strengthen the wrist and to reduce the risk of fractures and can reduce the risk of wrist and forearm injury in skating and snowboarding up to 85 per cent.
Visibility
Children should be clearly visible when playing, especially when using wheeled devices. Items including bright coloured helmets, reflectors, flashing lights and flags are all useful in increasing the visibility of a child on a wheeled device.
Clothing
It is important to dress children in appropriate clothing and footwear for the activities they will be undertaking. To reduce the risk of injury ensure that:
- Children's footwear fits correctly, provides stability and has cushioning.
- Children do not wear hats or clothing with cords due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment.
- Children wear low risk fire danger clothing.
Injury management: RICER
- Rest – place in comfortable position with the injured area supported.
- Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack in a wet towel to the injured area for 20 minutes and every two hours for the first 48-72 hours.
- Compression – Apply a firm, wide elastic bandage over the injured area, as well as above and below. Ensure the bandage isn't too tight. The bandage will reduce swelling and bleeding.
- Elevation – raise the injured area above the level of the heart.
- Referral – As soon as possible after the injury visit a doctor or qualified health professional.
For more information and resources visit Smart Play
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