According to a recent CBC finding, more than 28,000 children are injured every year on playgrounds across Canada, and the rate of hospitalizations has gone up by eight per cent between 2007 and 2012.
The CBC article highlights that there is no national body that regulates playgrounds. There are CSA standards for playgrounds but since they are voluntary, not all municipalities have written them into their bylaws.
The article indicates that studies show that playground surfaces and equipment that meet the standards and are properly maintained lead to fewer injuries.
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society,
"Playgrounds modified to meet the current CSA standard can reduce associated injuries by as much as 49 per cent."
Research also shows that playgrounds can be made safer and that the playground surface is usually the most important factor. The playground surface should be deep and soft, and that could go a long way in preventing injuries.
Read the full CBC article here.