Date: July 26, 1996

Attention: ASCIP Members

Subject: Student School Yard Injuries

Download a printer-friendly version.

ASCIP has become aware of several serious accidents involving students who have been injured by sharp or projecting metal objects on their school grounds. While such incidents have not been life-threatening, the disfiguring nature of some of these injuries may have a significant impact on their lives.

Such accidents have involved improperly closed "S" hooks on swingset chains; broken chainlink fence fabric wire at gates, fencelines, and baseball backstops, the sharp twisted wire selvage tines atop some chainlink fences, bolts and studs projecting from poles and gateposts, and similar type of hazards. Most of these types of accidents may be avoidable.

ASCIP recommends that a check for such hazards be included in every campus inspection process. Emphasis should be placed on any object or structural detail which may represent a hazard to staff or students by its nature or its location. In areas accessible to staff or students, objects or conditions which could cut, puncture, impale, burn, entrap, pinch, or otherwise cause injury should be guarded or eliminated. It is essential for the inspector to view the schoolyard environment from both the staff and the student's perspective to ensure that all potential hazards are recognized and addressed.

Where such hazards are discovered and cannot be successfully addressed immediately, the areas should be isolated to prevent injury and should remain so until the appropriate repairs can be completed.

Reviewed July, 2006