Citation

Olsen H, Kennedy E. J. Sch. Nurs. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1059840519827364.

Affiliation

Department of Allied Health, Recreation, and Community Services, College of Education, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, National Association of School Nurses, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1059840519827364

PMID

30722719

Abstract

Research supports recess, however, playground injuries are prevalent with more than 200,000 cases per year requiring medical attention. School playgrounds are among the leading location for injury. The purpose was to identify the safety and risk factors of playground environments and impact attenuation characteristics of surfacing materials.

RESULTS demonstrated 46% playground spaces protected students from traffic.

RESULTS found 75% of playgrounds were exposed to full sun, and unitary surface materials were up to 49°F warmer than the air temperature. There was an increase in the probability of risk whether equipment height was over 9 ft for loose fill surfacing materials or over 6 ft for unitary surfaces. Loose strings or ropes looped over equipment were found on 23% of playgrounds. This study provides discussion and data pertaining to numerous aspects of playground safety. Strategies for school nurses are shared to shape policies and education for playground safety practices.

Language: en

Keywords

hazards; injury prevention; injury surveillance; playground injuries; playground safety; school nurse