Children's play centres

19 April 2022

Playing in indoor and outdoor playgrounds is great for a child’s physical, social and mental development. While we all want kids to be active and having fun, WorkSafe ACT has been notified of several serious incidents regarding child safety at commercial children’s play centres.

Playgrounds can be made entertaining and safe for kids by following some simple safety steps, ensuring all equipment and behaviour is safe.

Adult Supervision is important

The best way to help avoid injuries in playgrounds and commercial play centres is to actively supervise children at play at all times.

It is the responsibility of the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) to make sure that all the staff members employed at the play centre have a valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration and should have a suitably trained First Aid officer working on each shift.

This ensures that if an incident does happen, a staff member can immediately help the child and advise whether any further action is required.

PCBUs must ensure that inexperienced or junior staff are adequately supervised by a person with the appropriate experience, training and knowledge of what to do in the event of a dangerous incident or emergency.

Parents and carers should not assume that just because the play equipment is operating in a business, that it is safe. Parents and carers can help by staying close to their child, especially when they’re trying something new or complicated and helping children to try new playground equipment safely.

Equipment Safety

Swings, slides, and climbing equipment each have different safety concerns, so it’s important for the PCBU to maintain and regularly check all equipment and resources to ensure that they are working properly and not pose a risk to children. You’ll find more information about the safety of playground equipment at the Kids Health website.

All fixed playground equipment must meet the current Australian Standards for Playgrounds and, children should only use equipment that is age and ability appropriate. Consider how the layout of the equipment can minimise risks such as trip hazards, protruding objects and inappropriate surfacing beneath equipment.

Like any workplace, operators of children's play centres must fulfil their WHS obligations. Falls from height, even if they have not resulted in injury, are notifiable incidents and must be reported to WorkSafe ACT. You can call us on 13 22 81, after hours on 0419 120 028 or email us at worksafe@act.gov.au. You can make a notification using the online form available on the WorkSafe ACT website.