Unsafe Playground Gate Design Leads to Severe Finger Injury

Case Overview

This case study delves into an incident involving a minor who sustained a severe injury, specifically the severing of their fingertip, on a playground. The event transpired during recess while under the supervision of a substitute teacher. The child had ventured into a gated play area, allegedly without the supervisor present, and proceeded to close the gate for safety reasons.

The gate's design allowed it to rotate nearly 360 degrees, thereby creating a pinch point that led to the child's injury. This case calls upon an expert in playground safety to assess the design of the playground and provide insight into relevant safety standards.

Questions to the Amusement Park Safety expert and their responses

Could you describe your background in playground safety, particularly as it pertains to the design and safety of gates?

I have previously held the position of Certified Playground Safety Inspector with the National Recreation and Park Association. My tenure included six years with Conroe ISD where I was involved in transforming and upgrading playgrounds at 35 elementary schools with a focus on enhancing child safety.

Furthermore, my professional experience extends over 25 years in the amusement industry where I served as a safety manager and corporate director of safety and risk for two major amusement companies.

Are there any existing standards designed to prevent such incidents from occurring?

There are indeed standards set by ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Commission for play structures. However, these do not extend to gates as fences are not considered compulsory around playgrounds.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If so, could you elaborate?

Yes, I have been involved in reviewing cases related to fence and gate injuries, including those where hand injuries were caused by pinch points. In fact, just last week, I provided testimony in one such case involving a gate at an amusement park located in California.

About the expert

This expert boasts over 25 years of experience in theme park safety management, with a focus on risk mitigation and operational procedures. They hold a BA in Organizational Psychology and Development and an MS in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management. Currently serving as the CEO of a safety consulting group, this expert is also a certified safety professional and an OSHA 501 general industry outreach trainer, with prior roles including Director of Safety and Risk Management at a major amusement company and Director of Risk Management for a water park management firm.