Practice Playground Safety at Daycare Centers

Potential injuries on playground equipment may be one of the biggest risks a daycare center faces. If you operate a daycare center, being aware of possible dangers on the playground, and taking appropriate precautions, may help protect the children in your charge, and reduce your chances of having to file a claim on your policy for general liability insurance in NJ.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 75% of nonfatal injuries related to playground equipment occur at schools and daycare centers. Of those, about 45% are serious injuries, including fractures, concussions, dislocations and internal injuries. This makes practicing playground safety a vital part of a daycare operation.

Adult supervision is one of the most crucial elements of operating a safe daycare playground. It may be wise and likely required by your county, to train your teachers in CPR and basic first aid. Other important qualities in a safe playground include design and spacing, proper surfacing materials, and equipment inspection and maintenance.

The Kids Health website offers a wide range of playground safety tips. For example, it is important for playground equipment to be age appropriate, with equipment for smaller and larger children separated.

A loosely packed surface of wood chips or other material may be a wise choice for playground surfacing. Proper maintenance of the equipment is vital to providing a safe playground.

Broken equipment, sharp edges, splinters or loose parts may lead to injury to a child. These safety precautions may help you keep your charges safe, and your general liability insurance in NJ may offer financial protection for your daycare business.*