Risk Management at a Glance for Ontario Schools

Playground Safety Rules

Every year thousands of incidents are reported on school playgrounds across Ontario. Many of these injuries are avoidable with proper supervision, safety education and good maintenance and inspection programs for playground equipment.

The following examples of playground rules should be refined to suit local school needs. Teachers, students and volunteer supervisors should be introduced to these rules with periodic reminders - e.g. September, January and March.

General Rules

1. No pushing.
2. No running around play structures.
3. Take turns.
4. No fighting.
5. In case of injury - DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON. Report to supervisor immediately.
6. No throwing sticks, stones or other objects.
7. No eating while on playground equipment.
8. Playground equipment is off limits during rainy, snowy or icy weather.
9. Skipping ropes, ropes or strings are not permitted on playground equipment.
10. No scarves or loose drawstrings are permitted on playground equipment.
11. Set rules for specific pieces of play equipment - define maximum number of students, and age levels permitted.
12. Train teachers, volunteer supervisors and the students about the playground rules. Reinforce.
13. No Bicycle Helmets on Playground Equipment

« Back to Risk Management @ a Glance