Topic D: Know When and Where Injuries or Hazards May Occur

Not every injury can be prevented.  However, you can dramatically reduce the potential for injury by knowing when and where injuries or hazards are likely to occur.

For example, you cannot prevent toddlers from falling.  You can reduce the risk of injury, however, by placing a padded surface under the areas where toddlers are likely to climb.

And many safety hazards can be completely eliminated.  For example, poisons and medicines can be locked; knives can be stored out of children’s reach; and safety gates can be placed at the top of stairs.

What the regulations say about playground surfaces

Type I centers and Type II licensed homes (922 KAR 2:120)

A protective surface shall be provided for outdoor play equipment used to: climb, swing, and slide; and have a fall zone equal to the height of the equipment [Sec 4 (19)].  “Protective surface” means loose surfacing material not installed over concrete which includes the following [Sec 1 (10)]:

• Wood mulch;
• Double shredded bark mulch;
• Uniform wood chips;
• Fine sand;
• Coarse sand;
• Pea gravel, except for areas used by children under three (3) years of age;
• Certified shock absorbing resilient material; or
• Other material approved by the cabinet or designee.
• Guidelines for the depth of the protective surface in the Public Playground Safety Handbook
• The above U.S. Product Safety Commission website also has additional information regarding playground safety.

09.-Handout-What-the-regulations-say-about-playground-surfaces

Resources

More information on the Kentucky Child Care regulations

Click on and print out these handouts for additional information:

• Supervision
• Facility Safety Checklist
• Playground Safety

Know when and where injuries or hazards may occur

Not every injury can be prevented.  But you can reduce the potential for injury by knowing when and where injuries or hazards are likely to occur.  For example, 5-gallon buckets and bathtubs can both lead to drowning; windows, skateboards, and diaper-changing tables can all lead to falls.

Is your program taking sufficient steps to prevent children from injuries while in your care?

Facility Safety Checklist Use this checklist to check for safety hazards in your workplace.