Public parks offer
people the right environment to engage in healthy activities and also often
serve as a pleasant venue for get-togethers with family and friends. While
spending time in a park can be an enjoyable experience, it’s also important to
ensure a safe and healthy atmosphere for all visitors.
Unisite offers a few
tips that will help councils and other authorities responsible for the upkeep
and maintenance of parks to ensure safety for park users. Though it may not be
possible to eliminate every possible mishap, these tips can greatly help to lower
risks and minimise the occurrence.
Investing in quality equipment
Quality should never
be compromised when selecting amenities and services to be made available to
the public. Poor quality equipment not only degrades the overall experience,
but also increases risk of accidents. For instance, barbecue equipment, park
benches and furniture should be made from robust materials that will stand the
test of time as well as frequent use, with the design incorporating the health
and safety guidelines of the local authority.
Regular inspections
The park authority’s
responsibility does not end with investing in the right equipment; it is also
important to ensure ongoing performance and safety of the equipment through
regular inspections. Regardless of the assured quality of the equipment, it's
always liable to develop damage from wear and tear caused by frequent use. Public
property is also exposed to vandalism and harsh weather conditions, all of
which can combine to make furniture and playground equipment unsafe over time.
To prevent problems that
might increase the risk of an accident, ensure the parks undergo regular
quality inspection checks covering every piece of furniture, barbecue
installation and playground equipment. In addition to periodic inspections, the
park authority must also arrange for checks after big events such as outdoor
festivals where large crowds will invariably lead to some damage somewhere.
Give plenty of warnings
Placing guidelines
and safety warnings throughout the park is advised to ensure the equipment is
used correctly by visitors. For example, clearly list the dangers associated
with using certain types of equipment such as barbecue installations. Parents should
be warned about the possibility of their children wandering off in the park or using
equipment unsupervised.
It is also important
to ensure the warning signs are placed appropriately in prime spots, with the message
displayed clearly and legibly in noticeable colours. Using big red letters is
suggested to get the attention of park-goers.
Encourage help from the public
Local authorities
are responsible for maintaining the parks and ensuring safety. However, the
public’s assistance can be sought to help maintain a healthy and safe
environment. For instance, if any equipment is vandalised right after a
periodic inspection, the public can get in touch with the local authority to
have it rectified immediately.
Staff training
The park authority
is also responsible for ensuring all staff members dealing with the park are
given health and safety training on preventing common accidents. This will help
employees catch potential hazards early, see the signs of degrading of
furniture or playground equipment, as well as spot members of the public doing
something that puts them at risk.
Unisite supplies exceptionally
stylish and functional outdoor furniture and facilities for clients throughout
Australia.
