An Investigation of School Playground Safety Practices as Reported by School Nurses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate school playground safety practices. The study used a purposeful sample of school nurses who attended a playground safety workshop at the 2006 National Association of School Nurses annual conference. Seventy-five questionnaires were distributed, and 64 useable questionnaires were returned. The responses indicated that little attention is being given to providing safe playground environments in schools as measured by best practices of supervision, age-appropriate design, fall surfacing, and equipment maintenance. Participants pointed to the need for better supervision and supervision training, careful selection of age-appropriate equipment, maintaining adequate fall surfaces under the equipment, and ensuring that equipment is properly maintained and repaired. The study also revealed that school nurses believe they could play a role in playground injury prevention through the collection and analysis of injury data, communication to administrators about the need for comprehensive planning of the play environment, and becoming active members of playground safety committees.

A systematic review of the risk factors and interventions for the prevention of playground injuries

“…In completing this systematic review, several studies were found that examined and reported on local and national compliance to playground standards. All of the studies found reported a significant lack of compliance (CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1999;Acik et al 2004;Allen et al 2013;Chalmers et al 2001;Cradock et al 2010;Hudson et al 2008;Kotch et al 2003;Martin and Cooper 2005;Pickett et al 1996;Sherker and Ozanne-Smith 2004;Sherker et al 2009;Uskun et al 2008). For example, in the study by Pickett et al (1996), playgrounds in the Kingston, Ontario, area were investigated for adherence to CSA standards using a standardized checklist.…”

Head Injuries in Children

“…Injury details: ________________________________________________________ Treatment given: _____________________________________________________ Suggestions: _________________________________________________________ School Principal/Nurse/Secretary _______________________________________ a crucial role in injury prevention. By recognizing the unsafe practices, school nurses can document and bring to attention the importance of safe playground behavior to administrators, staff, parents, and children (Hudson, Olsen, & Thompson, 2008). Prevention programs should be targeted largely toward elementary school students because there is an age relationship with respect to the likelihood of being injured at school (Josse et al, 2009).…”

“…School nurses play a crucial role in injury prevention. By recognizing the unsafe practices, school nurses can document and bring to attention the importance of safe playground behavior to administrators, staff, parents, and children (Hudson, Olsen, & Thompson, 2008). Prevention programs should be targeted largely toward elementary school students because there is an age relationship with respect to the likelihood of being injured at school (Josse et al, 2009).…”

Developing a Playground Injury Prevention Plan

“…The subject of supervision deserves attention because the lack of supervision is repeatedly mentioned as one of the biggest factors in playground injuries (Bruya, 1998; Frost & Sweeney, 1996; Hudson, Olsen, & Thompson, 2008; Thompson & Hudson, 2001). Specifically, school nurses have commented that there is not enough quality supervision, staff is minimally trained, and supervisors are standing in one place and talking to one another (Hudson et al, 2008).…”

“…School districts need to implement playground safety training for all staff members and children. Studies have shown that many schools do not conduct any type of training with the students (Bauer, 2001; Bruya, 1998; Bruya & Bruya, 2000; Hudson et al, 2008). Training is an intervention that helps everyone at the school to be consistent.…”