MAY 30, 2009 – Eyewitness News in Bakersfield reported this week a young boy suffered third degree burns when he took off his shoes at Hart Park in Bakersfield, CA. Brenden Thomasy suffered the burns in September 2008. The 4-year-old had gotten sand in his shoes, and took them off to shake them out. His mother pulled him off the mat only a few seconds after he stood up, but it was too late. Thomasy suffered severe burns on his feet and was unable to walk for three weeks.
An employee of Kern County Parks and Recreation told Eyewitness News the black rubber material met state safety guidelines, and is the same material used in many other parks. But after receiving information about Thomasy’s burn injuries, the Parks and Recreation department plans to reevaluate the safety record of the black rubber playground mats.
The black rubber mats are designed to protect children when they fall, but the mats heat up in the hot sun, posing a serious safety hazard. Eyewitness News visited the park around 1:00 in the afternoon on a day with an outdoor temperature of 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the mat was 123 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thomasy’s story is not the only burn injury related to rubber playground mats. The Today Show aired a story last year about the dangers of hot playground equipment and mats. The mats are often black, which make them retain heat even more. It is always a good idea to test surfaces of equipments and mats before letting your children play.
If your child has suffered a burn injury due to a playground mat, you can report the injury to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you would like a consultation with a defective products attorney, contact the law firm of Estey & Bomberger, LLP at (800) 925-0723.
Find more like this: Burn Injuries, Children's Injuries, Defective Products, Premises Liability , black rubber playground mat burn injuries, Burn Injuries, Children's Injuries, playground burn injuries
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