Playground Safety and Supervision Toolbox Talk

This playground safety toolbox talk template is designed for school lunchtime supervisors and midday staff responsible for children’s play areas.

It outlines the main hazards found on playgrounds – falls from height, equipment failure, impact with hard surfacing and injuries caused by rough or unsupervised play – and explains how the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 creates a legal duty of care, while the British Standard BS EN 1176 sets the required design, installation and maintenance criteria for playground equipment. The guidance also highlights the importance of regular surfacing checks, safe supervision zones and prompt first‑aid response to minimise the risk of fractures, head injuries and other serious outcomes.

• Use this talk for: daily supervision briefings
• Use this talk for: pre‑session equipment inspections
• Use this talk for: incident response training

Each section of the talk provides a concise purpose, a clear list of hazards, the relevant legal duties and over ten practical do’s and don’ts, plus an important‑notes summary of the key actions staff must remember.

The content is fully editable and shareable, allowing you to replace any placeholder with your organisation’s name, adjust supervision zone descriptions, and insert site‑specific emergency contact details, ensuring the talk aligns perfectly with your existing safety policies.

Compliant with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and BS EN 1176 playground equipment standards.