Work

The effect of wood chip surface depth on peak force during impacts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective Playgrounds are essential for children's physical, social, and mental health. However, only 4.7% of playgrounds meet safety standards for wood chip surface depth around playground structures. This study aimed to quantify peak force attenuation at safety-compliant (9-inch) vs. non-compliant (5-inch) wood chip depths. Methods Wood chip layers of 5 inches and 9 inches were placed on a calibrated force platform. A 4.54-kg medicine ball was dropped from a consistent height onto the wood chips, and peak forces and time to peak force were measured. Results The 9-inch wood chip layer significantly reduced peak forces compared to the 5-inch layer, showing a 44% reduction (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in time to peak force between the two conditions (p = 0.46). Discussion Compliant wood chip surface depths reduce impact forces substantially, emphasizing the importance of routine inspection and maintenance of playground surfaces to safety standards. This practice can help minimize injuries in children resulting from playground falls.

Source: Frontiers in Environmental Health

DOI: 10.3389/fenvh.2025.1557660

Author: Jonathan Lee-Confer

Institution: University of Arizona

Language: English

Topic: Injury Epidemiology and Prevention

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353