International Montessori Council

According to the National Safety Council, approximately 200,000 children require a visit to the emergency room every year because of injuries they receive on the playground. Many of these injuries could have been prevented. Here are some ways to increase playground safety:

Ensure adequate supervision. Supervisors must pay strict attention to children on the playground so they can intervene immediately to stop improper behavior and prevent injuries.

Install proper protective surfacing that will cushion a child’s fall, such as hardwood fiber/mulch, sand, or pea gravel.

Leave enough space—at minimum, 6 feet for equipment under 30 inches high and 9 feet for higher equipment—between pieces of playground equipment. This provides room from children to circulate and prevents the possibility of a child falling off one structure and striking another structure.

Install a fence at least 6 feet high, and made of chain link or wood. Design your fence to prevent children from climbing it. Make sure your design complies with your local building codes.

Inspect for and remove trip hazards, such as exposed concrete footings, abrupt changes in surface elevations, containment borders, tree roots, tree stumps, and rocks.

Make sure that your play equipment is age-appropriate for the children who will use it. Areas for preschool age children (2-5) should be separate from areas for school age children (5-12).

Inspect play equipment to make sure that there are no sharp edges or points that could cut a child, or no moving parts or mechanisms that might crush a child’s fingers.

Make sure elevated surfaces (platforms, ramps, and bridge ways) have guardrails or barriers to prevent falls.

Michael Swain is Senior Loss Control Specialist for Markel Insurance Company in Richmond, Virginia. Markel specializes in insurance for Montessori schools and K-12 private schools. http://www.markelinsurance.com

Fast Facts About Energy Usage In School Buildings

40% of your electric load is typically lighting

20% of your schools energy bills can be from plug load equipment

8% to 20% of lighting costs can be reduced by simply turning off lighting when rooms are vacant

For each degree a system is reduced, you realize a 1-3% energy savings for that time period.