The safe playgrounds guard against injury.

Watpolmanee School at Lat Krabang and Samyak Klonglorlae School at Saphan Sung were two nof 22 schools that were chosen to be equipped with the new "safe" playgrounds.

This campaign is part of the ongoing Safety Playground in Bangkok's Schools project.

Its managing director Montri Simagri said almost all playgrounds in the country were dangerous because of poor and ill-constructed equipments. They were the main causes of accidents among children, Simagri said.

The improved playgrounds at Watpolmanee School and Samyak Klonglorlae School were installed at a cost of Bt150,000 each with funds granted by DuPont.

Safety requirements for playgrounds are quality equipment, proper installation and maintenance as well as qualified supervision, Ramathibodi Hospital Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Centre director Adisak Plitponkarnpim said.

He added all playground equipment should be secured into ground that was soft (a sand pit) or rubber covered.

Only properly-installed and well-maintained equipment and trained supervisors will reduce accident numbers Adisak said.

Ramathibodi Hospital, the Public Works Department and Industry Ministry has written playground safety regulations. These regulations were forwarded to the Cabinet two years ago for consideration.

"It is now stuck there," Adisak said.

"The government and public should realise children have the right to play and live in a proper and safe environment," Adisak added.

The centre found 34,000 children each year are treated for injuries sustained at unsafe playgrounds.

Ten per cent of playground accidents result in serious injuries and 2 per cent in death.

Ninnete Surarat

The Nation