OUTDOOR SAFETY Chapter 7

The majority of accidents involving young children happen outdoors

MAJOR CAUSES OF OUTDOOR INJURIES Falls from climbing equipment cause many serious injuries among young children Cars cause most accidental deaths of children Biggest outdoor risks are Play equipmentVehicles Traffic Bikes WaterNeighborhood dangers

OUTDOOR HAZARDS Barriers (fences must be 4 feet or higher) Agricultural chemicals Poison plants Insects Temperature

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT HAZARDS Presentation on CA Regulations will be next week Legal limits on equipment height, sharp edges, slat distance Legal limits on safety zones, ground cushioning Violating these laws could invalidate your insurance in case of an accident involving a child in you care

SANDBOXES Cat feces Standing water Sand outside box can cause falls

UNSAFE EQUIPMENT Seesaws Trampolines (outdoor)

TRAFFIC SAFETY Drop off and pick up times account for the majority of pedestrian-related accidents for child care Close adult supervision is crucial Procedures and policies should be developed and implemented

CAR SAFETY The majority of car seats are not properly installed Children in CA must be restrained in a safety seat or booster seat until they are 6 years OR 60 pounds

FIELD TRIP SAFETY Permission slips must be signed Driver must be licensed & willing to obey speed and traffic laws Car must be safe/in good working order Bring emergency medical supplies Bring emergency phone numbers and consent slips Review safe behaviors prior to leaving

BIKE SAFETY More than 1/2 million head trauma injuries result from bike riding accidents each year Helmet use is recommended for bike and trike riding See Table 7.6 for safe bike riding guidelines

WATER SAFETY Children can drown in very little water. They must be supervised CONSTANTLY around wading and swimming pools and other bodies of water See Tables 7.7 & 7.8 for pool safety behaviors and guidelines