S.A.F.E. — STATE LEVEL
Summary of Action Steps at State Level

STATE GOALS

Actions to Provide Proper Supervision On Playgrounds:

  1. Distribute information concerning the development of good supervisory practices on playgrounds.
  2. Help educate the public about the importance of playground supervision plans.
  3. Advocate the use of good supervisory practices on playgrounds.
  4. Disseminate information regarding different methods of supervision.
  5. Train individuals in safe supervision methods.
  6. Provide information about playground supervision in university/college curricula.
  7. Distribute information about how to improve supervisory methods.
  8. Promote the idea of enhancing playground supervision to prevent injuries.
  9. Initiate research into effective supervisory practices on playgrounds.

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Actions to Design Age-Appropriate Playgrounds:

  1. Distribute the CPSC Handbook through State professional organizations.
  2. Advocate the adoption of the CPSC Handbook by local agencies.
  3. Educate local communities with the assistance of insurance carriers about the importance of age-appropriate playgrounds.
  4. Support local efforts in selecting age-appropriate equipment.
  5. Provide information about the developmental characteristics of children, safety guidelines and age-appropriate design criteria.
  6. Provide information about age-appropriate design on playgrounds in courses at colleges and universities.
  7. Provide ongoing education and technical assistance to various constituent groups.
  8. Monitor local agencies' accident reports.
  9. Conduct research concerning the layout, design and play value of age-appropriate playgrounds.

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Actions to Provide Proper Fall Surfacing Under and Around Playground Equipment:

  1. Disseminate surfacing evaluation criteria.
  2. Educate the public that asphalt, cement, dirt and grass are unsafe for use under playground equipment.
  3. Advocate the use of CPSC Handbook for the systematic evaluation of playground surfaces.
  4. Issue a periodic "report card" concerning the issue of safe playground surfaces.
  5. Advocate the use of safe playground surfacing materials.
  6. Distribute information about safe surfaces.
  7. Advocate the annual review of surface injury data by local agencies.
  8. Create partnerships to conduct research on various aspects of surfacing materials.

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Actions to Keep Playground Equipment Properly Maintained:

  1. Initiate studies on maintenance requirements for various pieces of equipment.
  2. Advocate the development and implementation of playground maintenance policies and procedures.
  3. Require local agencies to assess their playgrounds for compliance with safety guidelines and standards.
  4. Ensure that local agencies and organizations have a viable maintenance plan on file.
  5. Promote educational workshops and seminars on proper maintenance practices.
  6. Educate the public regarding the evolving standards of proper care and maintenance of playground equipment and surfacing.
  7. Promote the importance of maintaining safe playgrounds.
  8. Provide information about playground maintenance in appropriate college/university curricula.
  9. Conduct research on maintenance procedures and inspections.

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