What is a tripping hazard in playgrounds?

A tripping hazard in playgrounds is defined as any raised or uneven surface. Areas with uneven ground, such as bumps, holes, or changes in elevation, can cause children to trip and fall. This is especially critical in playgrounds where children are running and playing actively. Safe playgrounds are designed with smooth surfaces and appropriate materials to minimize these risks.

While potentially wet surfaces can lead to slipping hazards, they are not specifically categorized exclusively as tripping hazards but rather as slip hazards. Obstacles like toys, if left in places that are not designed for them, may create tripping risks, but they are not considered a general definition of a tripping hazard. Therefore, the key focus here is the nature of surfaces that create unevenness which can lead to trips, making the identification of raised or uneven surfaces as the primary concern for safety in playground design.