1. “He fell off the bike and now he is crying.” Tim, 4 years Children’s Health and Safety

2. Inadequate soft fall surface Inappropriate design Entrapment Protrusion and sharp objects Uneven surfaces Poor maintenance Poor or inadequate supervision Risk factors that contribute to playground safety

3. The Physical Environment Factor Inadequate fencing Climbing equipment that does not meet safety standards Trip hazards such as poorly constructed pathways or poorly set out play areas Lack of appropriate soft-fall Lack of safety devices such as child-resistant locks on gates and cupboards Inappropriately fitted child restraints on highchairs “Ride the bikes on the path” Emma, 5 years 5 months

4. Safety Considerations: –The layout and use of spaces –Placement of furniture and furnishings –Physical space provided –The age and number of children –Should allow for maximum supervision of children at all times Safe Indoor Play Spaces

5. Safety considerations: –Layout; i.e soft fall –Fixed equipment Entrapment Protrusion and sharp objects –Loose parts Uneven surfaces –Maintenance Safe Outdoor Play Spaces

6. The Age Factor Children will often do the unexpected They can act impulsively without thought or fear to the safety of themselves and others They may use equipment in ways that are dangerous They can quickly scale fences/barriers They have limited understanding of the capabilities of others They may rearrange equipment making it unsafe

7. The Age Factor Birth–12 months Rolls, wriggles, grasps moves, puts objects in mouth Hazards Burns, falls, choking, sharp objects, bath, small objects, poisoning, falls

8. The Age Factor 1–2 years Investigates, climbs, opens doors, takes things apart, puts things in mouth Hazards Gates, windows, doors, water, poisons, burns, falls

9. The Age Factor 2–3 years Moves about, tries to do things alone, climbs, imitates and explores, runs, impatient, likes playing in water, can be fearless Hazards Water, traffic, toys that pull apart, burns, household poisons, rough play, outdoor play equipment

10. The Age Factor 3–6 years Explores, climbs, rides bike, likes rough play, plays out of sight of adults, imitates actions of adults, fascinated by fire, likes to play in water Hazards Tools and equipment, poisons and burns, falls from climbing, drowning, traffic

11. The Age Factor 6–12 years Plays away from home, participates in team sports, subject to dares and peer-group pressure, rides bike on road, engaged in greater risk-taking behaviour Hazards Traffic, drowning, risk-taking behaviour

12. The Behaviour Factor Inability of the child to understand and anticipate cause and effect Lack of fear Ability to concentrate and stay ‘on task’/easily distracted Emotional status such as anger, fear or shyness The degree of stress the child is experiencing The young child’s tendency to imitate others.

13. The Gender Factor The rate of accidental injuries is far higher in boys than in girls. Causes: the type of play that boys and girls typically engage in - boys are generally more active, and take more risks in their play. Boys also tend to play games that involve greater physical contact and more active ‘rough’ play than girls.

14. The Adult Factor Lack of adequate supervision or close attention Lack of knowledge or understanding of child development and risks factors at each developmental stage Lack of communication – this may include failure to give clear, adequate or developmentally appropriate instructions to children

15. The Adult Factor Failure to take adequate safety precautions on behalf of the child The emotional or stress level of the adult may result in loss of concentration, poor judgement or lack of vigilance A distracted carer, particularly during arrival and departure times when carers are talking to parents.