In fact, some of the most appealing equipment can cause the most serious injuries, said Mike Bradshaw, K-State Research and Extension safety specialist. A majority of the serious accidents that occur on playgrounds involve falls. Monkey bars and other climbing equipment are attractive to children, but may tempt them to try daredevil-like activities, such as trying to walk across the uppermost bar on the climbing apparatus. Falls from such heights can result in serious injuries, especially when the playground base is asphalt or concrete. New or remodeled playgrounds usually are built with a sand or wood chip base, or cushioned rubber mats that absorb at least part of the impact of the fall, he said.
Slides also can be a source of injury.
Injuries from swings also may involve bystanders, who get too close to the equipment when it is in use. Asphalt and concrete can be the most dangerous. Rubber mats also can be effective in reducing the severity of an injury. Evaluating the height of the equipment and comparing it to the height of a child can be helpful. Children like to climb, which is why a significant number of the accidents that occur on playgrounds involve height, Bradshaw said.