Abstract
Absorption capacity of playground surfaces is a well-recognized factor in injury prevention as most playground injuries result from falls on playground surfaces. In the past, Environmental Health Officers had no way of evaluating impact absorption of playground surfaces so injury prevention capacities of surfacing were unknown. To assess injury prevention characteristics of playground surfaces in the Calgary Zone, Environmental Public Health began testing surfaces in 2012 with a Triax Surface Impact Tester. A total of 102 playground surfaces were tested to the end of 2016. Forty-five (44%) playgrounds failed the impact absorption test, indicating falls from the equipment onto these surfaces could result in a life-threatening head injury. These findings suggest a large percentage of playground surfaces are not providing adequate fall safety. Playground owners/operators require additional knowledge and resources to inform decisions about playground surfacing, and changes to public health legislation should be considered to require formal assessment of playgrounds and ensure playground surfacing is addressed in a consistent manner.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
