Reports on the state of playgrounds around Malta and Gozo clearly show that these recreational areas were not a priority over the years, according to UK safety expert David Yearley.
A child just climbs onto a swing without the thought of whether the metal chains are strong enough to support him
The reports, drawn up last year by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority following inspections of the 159 play areas run by local councils, indicated that playground equipment was installed and forgotten, he said.
“A child just climbs onto a swing without the thought of whether the metal chains are strong enough to support him,” Mr Yearley said, stressing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of play equipment.
He was speaking at the official launch of PlaySafety Malta, a company specialising in the safety of indoor and outdoor play equipment. The company headed by Mr Yearley is licensed by the UK’s Rospa (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) . Rospa is a registered UK charity set up for the promotion of safety and accident prevention.
National standards for playgrounds’ safety were launched last year and inspectors from the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority completed the inspection of the 159 playgrounds. The inspectors drew up reports, which they handed to the respective councils. The regulator will be carrying out annual inspections on all playgrounds and local council would check them daily.
PlaySafety Malta will be offering professional routine and operational inspection services to any organisation that has a playground or play area. These include the government, schools, hotels and private owners.
Mr Yearley said the company’s motto is: we believe areas where children play should be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible.
He said it was necessary to retain a certain element of controlled risk during play as that helped children learn and assess danger.
He said PlaySafety Malta had a professional indemnity insurance of €6 million.
Minister Jason Azzopardi, responsible for small enterprises, said he was glad to hear the company would be employing three full-time inspectors.