Safety warning issued after Adelaide school playground incident

Safety Warning Issued After Adelaide School Playground Incident

SafeWork SA reminds every South Australian playground needs a thorough risk assessment on all play equipment after a six-year-old girl suffered serious injuries at an Adelaide school playground incident in February.

SafeWork SA Acting Executive Director Glenn Farrell said kids can suffer serious injuries on playgrounds if safety procedures are ignored, particularly where equipment has not been audited for hazardous conditions.

Why Schools Must Assess Playground Risk

"Schools and Childcare Centres need to undertake an adequate risk assessment and implement higher order control measures or a combination of control measures," he said.

The South Australian workplace safety regulator encourages schools to conduct a risk assessment before purchasing and installing play equipment. Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can quickly become hazardous, particularly around moving parts, electrical fittings near play areas, and structural components exposed to weather.

Inspection Procedures Every South Aussie Playground Needs

"Schools are encouraged to conduct inspections of their play equipment to identify existing or new hazards and ensure they are appropriately managed," WorkSafe said.

Regular inspection procedures help ensure equipment remains safe for use, reducing risk exposure for students and staff alike. A sound risk management approach should include:

• Routine visual checks of play equipment for wear, corrosion, or structural damage
• Assessment of electrical infrastructure near playgrounds, including lighting and electrical enclosures
• Documented procedures for reporting and resolving hazardous conditions promptly
• Periodic reviews to confirm equipment continues to meet current risk management standards

Facilities managers overseeing electrical systems near play areas should also reference safety resources such as our Electrical Safety Policy and Electrical Safety Checklist to help ensure electrical hazards are properly controlled alongside playground equipment risks.

Building a Stronger Risk Management Culture

Consistent procedures for equipment maintenance, paired with clear workplace safety rules, give schools a stronger foundation for managing playground risk. Where electrical components form part of shared infrastructure, staff should be trained to recognise hazardous wiring or fittings before they pose a risk to children playing nearby.

Read more safety news on the SafeWork SA website.

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For further guidance on managing workplace risk across your organisation, explore our Safety Software resources or visit our support page for additional assistance.