Housing authority staff and residents play a big role in preventing playground accidents. Supervision is a key factor that should be communicated to parents. Children need to be made aware of playground dangers. Staff should work to educate themselves and residents.

Managing Playground Safety
Playgrounds are a valuable part of the public housing environment, providing children with the opportunity to learn acceptable social behavior and to develop physical skills. Unfortunately, by their nature, playgrounds cannot be made entirely safe. When dealing with this equipment, the importance of safety precautions cannot be emphasized enough.

Approximately 200,000 children are injured on playgrounds throughout the United States each year. Most life-threatening injuries result from falls, impacts with moving equipment, entanglement of clothing, and head entrapment.

Public housing authorities need to develop and implement a comprehensive playground safety program. A safety program will reduce the frequency and severity of injuries, and reduce the chances of financial burdens resulting from litigation.

For information on developing a program, click here.