Health Tip: Inspect Your Child's Playground

(HealthDay News) — While playground safety has come a long way in the past few decades, there are still many potential hazards.

Here’s what to watch for, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council:

Ground surfaces that don’t offer enough protection. Any playground should have at least 12 inches of mulch, wood chips, pea gravel, sand or rubber below the equipment.
At least six feet of protective area surrounding the swings and slides, etc., in case a child falls.
Any sharp edges that could hurt a child, such as on hooks or rungs.
Openings through which a child’s head could fit.
Swings that are too close to other equipment.
Poorly-maintained equipment.
Equipment should include guard rails to help prevent falls.

Health Tip: Inspect Your Child’s Playground