If you’re in the northern part of the country, you’ve been bombarded with snowfall after snowfall this year. Even some of the Southern states have seen icy, slippery conditions this season. And, what does snow bring with it besides snow days? Increased recess safety risks.
Kids love snow! Even when it’s 10 below zero, they want to bundle up and head outside. Who can blame a snow-loving teacher for bringing her class outside for a few minutes to enjoy the simple pleasure of winter? Not us. Recess is a healthy break, both physically and mentally, and if your school policy allows for winter recess, then we support it. However, there are some winter risks you should be prepared for. Here are some simple tips for avoiding some common playground accidents.
Know the temperature!
Even snow-loving teachers should be aware and cautious when the temperatures dip very low, becoming unhealthy. If it’s colder than average in your region, it might be in your best interest to have your faculty curtail outdoor time. Frostbite is a serious risk this time of year.
Check the resiliency of your playgrounds ground cover.
A lot of playgrounds have resilient surfacing to absorb the shock of falls. During the winter, this material can freeze and become hard, increasing risks of playground injuries. Have your Facility Manager check the surface of your playground. If it’s not safe for students, consider sectioning off those areas or instructing faculty not to allow children to play in those areas.
Check for hardened snow and ice.
Ice is hazardous for people of any age. Slips and falls are the most common playground injuries, accounting for about 75% of all traumas, and during the winter these risks increase. Your Facility Manager should salt or treat areas where ice and hardened snow have built up. These areas can also be sectioned off and prohibited until weather conditions improve.
Leave the scarves indoors!
It’s winter and it’s cold. Bundling up is what we naturally want to do. However, scarves can easily become entangled on playground equipment and cause serious injuries. Encourage teachers to leave these garments in the classrooms when preparing their students for recess, or tuck them inside children’s coats. Another approach is to encourage parents to send their children bundled up in neck warmers instead scarves.
Know the signs of hypothermia.
Chances are your students won’t be outside long enough for hypothermia, but there’s always a chance. Shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion are all early signs of hypothermia. Dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness are later symptoms and will need to be treated immediately. Your school nurse should be prepared with what’s needed to treat students with cold exposure in the interim before the medics arrive. A set of dry clothes, an electric blanket, and a generous supply blankets or sheets should be available.
Add an extra layer of protection—protect your students with Student Accident Coverage. ISM’s School-Year Domestic Student Insurance provides accident and sports coverage for your entire student body for pennies per student. We offer a wide range of off-the-shelf accident plans, and can also work with your school to build a customized plan to meet your extraordinary needs.
Additional ISM articles of interest
ISM Monthly Update for School Heads Vol. 11 No. 8 And Now for Something Completely Different …
ISM Monthly Update for Risk Managers Vol. 2 No. 5 Winter Risks
Additional ISM articles of interest for Gold Consortium members
I&P Vol. 34 No. 11 Recess May Be More Than You Think
