While 131 children suffered head injuries in Ontario playgrounds requiring them to be admitted to hospital in 2002-2003, two years later that number had plummeted to 37.

“Over the past few years, we have witnessed a number of initiatives aimed at reducing the number of playground injuries,” said Margaret Keresteci, Manager of Clinical Registries at CIHI, in a news release announcing the new data.

“While we have not seen a decrease in the overall numbers, the good news today is that in general the more debilitating injuries, such as head injuries, are on the decline. This may be due to changes in the design of playgrounds, such as height restrictions on playground equipment, as well as removing hard surfaces beneath the structures to soften the landing for potential falls.”

Research highlights

• Ontario emergency departments received 8,734 visits due to playground injuries in 2004-2005, up slightly from 8,698 in 2002-2003. In other words, about 23 children each day visit an Ontario emergency room due to playground injuries.
• Orthopedic injuries made up the largest proportion of emergency department visits (51%), mainly fractures of the upper limbs, such as a broken arm, wrist or elbow. Head injuries were second highest at 22%.
• An upper arm fracture was the most common reason for admittance to hospital of at least one night.
• Children aged five to nine were most at risk for both emergency room visits (54%) and hospital admissions (61%).
• Major regional differences are seen in playground injuries across the province. For example, the southeast region (Kingston and Brockville areas) had the highest rate of playground injuries in Ontario, with 438 visits per 100,000 population under 20 years of age. Mississauga Halton (Mississauga and Oakville) had the lowest rates, with 130 visits per 100,000 population. It’s possible these variations might be related to availability of playground equipment or tendency for children to use the equipment, Ms. Keresteci said.

  Be aware of risks

“We definitely want to see kids in playgrounds, exploring and developing their skills and muscles – it is so important for them to be able to do that, said Allyson Hewitt, executive director, Safe Kids Canada, in the release. “But we want their parents and caregivers to be aware of some of the risks and to understand how to prevent them. Safer playgrounds and close supervision are key to preventing injuries, and with it kids can play all summer.”

For more information on playground fall injuries in Ontario and how to prevent them, see the April 2007 issue of the Ontario Injury Compass.