Despite there being a lockdown, parks in England have remained open and accessible to children and adults.
Whilst it is common for children at times to suffer from bumps, cuts and bruises they can also suffer from more serious injuries whilst in parks and playgrounds.
According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents otherwise known as RoSPA in 2019 it is estimated that there were approximately 40,000 injuries to children on playgrounds each year which results in a hospital visit of which approximately 40% has been related to the equipment in the park and/or playground.
Who has the responsibility to maintain public parks and/or playgrounds?
Local councils.
What duty of care is owned by the local councils:
- To ensure that the design/layout and materials used in the playgrounds and/or parks are suitable
- To correctly install high quality and safe equipment
- To regularly conduct risk assessment to monitor equipment and/or safety measures
- To regularly conduct maintenance checks to check that all equipment is working, if not, for repairs to be carried out
- To ensure that the park and/or playground is kept clean and tidy
- To have a programme for improving and updating playgrounds
The same duty of care is owed to the gym equipment that is accessible now in parks and/or playgrounds.
How to report a problem:
Contact your local council and report anything you see wrong
What should the council do after you have reported a concern?
The local authority is to look into the complaint you have raised and if required attend the playground and/or park to assess the complaint made.
If for example a piece of equipment is faulty and/or broken they must carry out the required repair work within a reasonable period of time and at the same time make sure they have put in place adequate measures such as blocking off areas to ensure that children and others cannot access the equipment.
If you or your child have been injured as a result of defective equipment in a playground and/or park, then our specialist personal injury solicitors are on hand to guide you through the process of making a claim, call us on 0161 696 6235 or complete our online enquiry form.
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