Playground falls are an all too common cause for serious injury among children. The CDC estimates that “each year in the United States Emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground related injuries (Tinsworth 2001).” The CDC explains that one important way to reduce these injuries is to install a safe, durable and fall-rated surface under and around playground equipment, according to ASTM F1292 standard.
From the latest injury statistics available, the CDC states that falls were the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). These fall-related injuries account for 40% of all TBI’s in the Unites States that resulted in an ER visit, hospitalization or death. These dangerous falls affect primarily young children and the elderly. What’s more, over half of TBI’s among children were caused by falls. Children should be able to freely explore their environment and play on fun and challenging playground structures without the risk of serious or fatal injury.
As terrifying as these statistics are, there is a solution: SafeLandings® Shock Absorbing Carpet and Flooring System products for indoor play areas. All SafeLandings products are fully compliant and meet ASTM standards, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)/ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for wheelchair accessibility.
SafeLandings features the patented Resilient Fall-Rated Flooring System and the Carpet Systems, both the Installed System and the SafetyRug™ System to meet the requirements of different types of facilities. With these different products to choose from, there is no excuse for indoor playgrounds to not have a long-lasting SafeLandings System installed, ensuring the safety of all children during play.
by Leia Unger