Playgrounds are a child's paradise where it spends a majority of its free time. But did you know that the slides, swings, see-saws, merry-go-rounds, mazes and other play stations could cause grave injuries to the child? How safe is the playground your child plays in?
Non-fatal injuries are caused to the child when they fall while playing in unsafe playgrounds. From 1990 to 2000, at least 147 children have died from playground equipment-related injuries. Nearly 70 percent of these deaths occurred on unsafe playgrounds. About 45 per cent of injuries are severe, which include fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations and amputations. With such mishaps looming over a child, parents and schools need to exercise caution while setting up equipment for the playground.
Most countries have clearly laid out guidelines on the manufacturing and installation of playground equipment. The European Standards for Playground Equipment EN1176 is implemented in Europe and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in the U.S. No such guidelines or regulations are drafted in India for playgrounds in parks, schools and apartments.
“Play equipment are manufactured in India without a second thought about the safety of the children using the equipment. In the absence of stipulated guidelines, chaos ensures, causing accidents. Safety has been relegated to the background,” rues Roben Dass, Chairman and Managing Director, Koochie Play Systems International. The company's products can be seen at Eurokids, Shloka Montessori House, Amity School and Birla School in Bangalore.
