SafeWork South Australia (SA) recently released the findings from their compliance campaign, 'Nature play and playground proactive compliance project'.

They found that most 'Persons conducting a business or undertaking' (PCBUs) failed at several parameters including play equipment maintenance, identifying hazards, and irregular annual inspections.

SafeWork SA focused on schools, childcare providers, community play areas and council owned play areas.

According to the report there were 65 statutory notices issued in response to non-compliance, of which 18 belonged to local governments.  Local government represented only 10% of the audit sample but accounted for over 25% of statutory notices. 

Playgrounds are part and parcel of every local government's development initiative for their community. In recent times it's been recognised that children benefit from exposure to risky play within age appropriate nature inspired play spaces. LGIS members are aware of the tension between risk, play and liability exposures and are adept are balancing these competing demands.

LGIS has received around 53 injury claims during the period of 2017- 2023 from such member owned and operated facilities In Western Australia. Of these numbers, the top three reasons include falling from height, getting caught in something and tripping over.

Serious injuries managed by LGIS include:

• amputation of multiple digits
• serious head and spinal injury
• significant burn injury  

Red flags with playground management

The SafeWork SA report identified common trends which led to compliance notices being issued. These include:

• Lack of hazard identification
• Lack of regular documented  inspections (daily, quarterly and annual)
• Inadequate loose fill
• Inadequate maintenance of installed play equipment
• Nil evidence of structural integrity

For more information about the LGIS risk assessment services, please get in touch with the risk services team or your regional risk coordinator.