“It’s easy to keep summer safe by making sure the public or home playgrounds are in good condition, reporting any safety issues to those who are in charge, and closely supervising children while they play,” Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Steve C. Lee said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that, each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. More than one-third of those injuries are severe, including fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations, or even amputations. Children ages 5 to 9 have higher rates of emergency department visits for playground injuries than any other age group.

On public playgrounds, injuries occur more often on climbers than on any other equipment, according to the CDC. At home playgrounds, swings are responsible for most injuries.

Playground Safety Checklist (for Public and Home Playgrounds):

New Jersey’s CALA offices work with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to enforce New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, and related statutes and regulations, in each county that includes a CALA office. Consumers can file complaints by contacting their local CALA office or the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of marketplace abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

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