Falls from the platform, from the top of the slide, and from the top portion of the slide chute are most common. Falls also often occur as children climb ladders that access slide structures. When compared to other types of equipment, slides tend to have higher rates of serious head injuries. Slides should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment. Swings are involved in about 26 percent of all injuries related to public playground equipment.
Falls account for approximately two-thirds of swing injuries, most being falls to the surface.
The fall zone for swings should extend a minimum of 6 feet from the perimeter of the support structure on each side as well as a minimum distance of twice the height of the pivot point in front of and behind the swing seats. While increasing the height of the equipment does not necessarily increase challenge or play value, it always increases hazard. Limiting the height of play equipment is an essential means of reducing the frequency and severity of injury. Children under the age of six are those most often injured during moving impact incidents. Given certain cognitive and perceptual limitations, young children may unknowingly put themselves in a dangerous position.