Every city has a few playgrounds where young ones can have fun and interact with each other. The city often designs these playgrounds, but typically awards them to independent contractors. If you are fortunate enough to secure the bid for such a contract, you must proceed cautiously when designing the playground. Check out some essential safety tips you should follow to mitigate liability.

Start with a Risk Assessment

If a child gets injured on a playground you constructed because you didn’t perform a proper risk assessment, you may be sued and will have to contact a Greeley child abuse lawyer for your defense if you are in Greeley. While conducting a risk assessment, you must consider the equipment types and the children’s age. Make sure there are apparent accessibility and evacuation routes in case of an emergency.

Incorporate Safety Features

You can enhance the safety of the children by incorporating additional safety features. For example, you can add fences, an emergency number or phone, and self-closing gates. These extra safety features are essential in spaces for younger kids.

Consider the Environment

There is an increased awareness of the environmental consequences of construction. Even something as honorable as a children’s playground should be constructed with the environment in mind. Site owners must consider the environmental impact of the project before proceeding. They should make every effort to use only environmentally friendly materials during construction.

Choose Safe Materials

You need to choose materials that aren’t toxic to kids or adults. If there are bouncing castles and other similar items, ensure the landing surface absorbs shock efficiently. You should also use easy-to-clean, non-stick coating for the surfaces in the playground to reduce the risk of injury. There are other safety tips the construction workers must follow to ensure the smooth development of the playground.

Ensure Proper Equipment Installation

Installing grade-A equipment in the playground is just one step in the process. Ensure that you ground the equipment properly and install it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. You must properly structure things like swings with high-quality materials to prevent them from becoming hazardous.

Regularly Inspect and Maintain the Playground

After the construction team has completed their work, the management will have the responsibility of opening and maintaining the playground. There should be people on standby to examine all the structures of the playground at intervals. The goal is to look for hazards and clean and disinfect the playground. There should also be annual inspections from a certified playground inspector.

Provide Adequate Supervision

There should be enough hands on the ground to supervise children using playground equipment in addition to inspection. Even if children visit these places with their parents, the supervisors still need to be present to ensure that they follow the safety rules of the playground.

Conclusion

Finally, make sure your development and ongoing operation of the playground are up to code. Following international safety standards set by reputable bodies such as the International Playground Equipment, ASTM International (ASTM), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines is better for you.