Monday, 01 September 2014 16:39
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The comments follow a report released today by the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit (VISU) which revealed that on average, 1,491 children aged 0-14 years are admitted to hospital every year due to a fall from playground equipment.
The report shows that children commonly fall from climbing equipment (e.g. monkey bars and jungle gyms), trampolines, slides, swings and flying foxes.
Jason Chambers, Kidsafe Victoria Project Manager, noted the importance of children being active and getting outside to play.
"Play is essential for children's development - it provides them with opportunities to learn and develop their social skills, problem solving skills, imagination and sense of self," said Mr Chambers.
Kidsafe Victoria encourages the development of safe, creative play environments that comply with the Australian Standards, including playspaces in local parks, schools, early childhood centres and family backyards.
Mr Chambers said that while it was important that safety measures were in place to eliminate hazards that are likely cause serious injuries, it is also important that playspaces contain challenges for children and aren't totally risk free environments.
Important factors to reduce serious injury to children in playgrounds:Kidsafe
Victoria have useful playground safety resources for parents/carers, early childhood
educators and schools including:
Safe
play for children under 5
http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/images/stories/pdfs/under_5s_fact_sheet_final.pdf
Playground
Safety
http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/images/stories/pdfs/Playground_Safety.pdf
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe
Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329 201