Playground Safety Objectives Learn how playground safety applies
Playground Safety
Objectives • Learn how playground safety applies to teachers. • Learn about common playground hazards for everyone. • Learn how to prevent playground hazards.
Playground Safety Is it just about the kids?
Playground Safety • About 45% of playground injuries are severe. – – Fractures Internal injuries Concussions Amputations And these don’t just happen to children!
Could This Happen to You? Mary was thinking about her classroom and why the kids were having such a hard time with their last assignment. . .
Could This Happen to You? She didn’t notice the hole at the edge of the playground. . .
Could This Happen to You? This healthy mother of three now has a broken leg. . .
Common Playground Hazards for Everyone • • • Trips and falls Students running into teachers Lacerations Struck by objects Burns from hot surfaces Student altercations
Common Playground Hazards for Everyone • Trips and falls on uneven surfaces – – Cracks or holes in parking lots Unmarked curb or ramp edges Uneven walking surfaces Inadequate lighting
Common Playground Hazards for Everyone • Students running into teachers – Kids run in earnest! • You must keep your eye out for them.
Common Playground Hazards for Everyone • Lacerations – Older or sharp equipment – Pinched fingers – Broken glass/trash on playground
Common Playground Hazards for Everyone • Injuries can occur when struck by: – – Balls Bats Swings Other objects
Common Playground Hazards for Everyone • Burns from hot surfaces – Metal on slides – Playground mats – Blacktop surfaces On hot days, surface temperatures can reach 200 degrees!
Common Playground Hazards for Everyone • Student altercation: look for the following signs: – Uncontrolled anger – Bullying behaviors – Unresponsive to discipline
Playground Hazard Prevention • Take prompt action if rules are not followed. • Know your physical limitations. • Don’t permit hazardous activities. – Skateboarding – Tackle football
Playground Hazard Prevention • Don’t permit the following in congested areas or walkways. – Running or tag – Sports activities • Kickball • Basketball
Playground Hazard Prevention • Practice de-escalation techniques – Speak calmly but firmly. – Offer options to give the student a sense of control. – Avoid confrontational words or body language.
Playground Hazard Prevention Most Importantly: • Be aware of your surroundings. – Don’t talk or text while walking. – Report unsafe conditions. – Look up, down, and all around when in a play area.
Incident Reporting • If you are injured, what should you do? – Report to your supervisor or manager. – Complete an incident report (IR) immediately. • Explain fully: who, what, where, when, how, why. • Give IR to supervisor or manager. – Understand procedures for workers’ compensation medical practices at your workplace.
Playground Safety
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