Faculty Publications
Safety Of School Playgrounds: Field Analysis From A Randomized Sample
Document Type
Article
Keywords
hazards, injury prevention, injury surveillance, playground injuries, playground safety, school nurse
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Journal of School Nursing
Volume
36
Issue
5
First Page
369
Last Page
375
Abstract
Research supports recess, however, playground injuries are prevalent with more than 200,000 cases per year requiring medical attention. School playgrounds are among the leading location for injury. The purpose was to identify the safety and risk factors of playground environments and impact attenuation characteristics of surfacing materials. Results demonstrated 46% playground spaces protected students from traffic. Results found 75% of playgrounds were exposed to full sun, and unitary surface materials were up to 49°F warmer than the air temperature. There was an increase in the probability of risk whether equipment height was over 9 ft for loose fill surfacing materials or over 6 ft for unitary surfaces. Loose strings or ropes looped over equipment were found on 23% of playgrounds. This study provides discussion and data pertaining to numerous aspects of playground safety. Strategies for school nurses are shared to shape policies and education for playground safety practices.
Department
Department of Health, Recreation, and Community Services
Original Publication Date
10-1-2020
DOI of published version
10.1177/1059840519827364
Repository
UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Olsen, Heather and Kennedy, Eric, "Safety Of School Playgrounds: Field Analysis From A Randomized Sample" (2020). Faculty Publications. 265.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/265