More than 28,000 children are injured every year on playgrounds across Canada, and the rate of hospitalization has gone up by eight per cent between 2007 and 2012, according to the public broadcaster CBC.
Play structure across Canada must meet the requirements of the Canadian Safety Association Standards but only those norms for the year they were built. No upgrades are required.
Upgrades can reduce injury
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, “Playgrounds modified to meet the current CSA standard can reduce associated injuries by as much as 49 per cent.”
More regulations are needed to prevent injuries, says Pamela Fuselli of Parachute, a national injury prevention organization. She adds the risk of serious playground injuries needs to be measured against the benefits of physical exercise. Children across Canada are becoming much more sedentary and health officials are encouraging parents to make sure they get physical play, while remaining safe.
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