Compliance of Dunedin school playground equipment with the New Zealand playground standard.

OBJECTIVE: Injuries resulting from falls from playground equipment are a public health concern in New Zealand. Like many other countries, New Zealand has a safety standard aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of these injuries by limiting the height from which children can fall from playground equipment and requiring the provision of impact-absorbing surfaces beneath equipment from which falls are possible. The purpose of this study was to examine progress towards achieving compliance with these requirements in Dunedin school playgrounds. METHODS: Sixty-two schools were audited over the summer of 1997/98 and information recorded on equipment type, maximum fall height, surface type, and depth of loose-fill surface materials. Comparisons were made with audits conducted in 1989 and 1981. RESULTS: Substantial increases in the amount of playground equipment and in the provision of impact-absorbing surfaces were observed. A small increase in compliance with the requirement that the maximum fall height of equipment not exceed 2.5 metres was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Any gains in safety achieved through increased compliance with the height and surface requirements of the New Zealand Standard have been counteracted by the substantial increase in the amount of equipment available in playgrounds. IMPLICATIONS: A more drastic measure is needed to achieve a meaningful reduction in the incidence of injury following falls from playground equipment.

Agriculture: Climatic change and its implications.

In spite of many uncertainties surrounding the nature of future changes in climate, a number of indications are emerging of the likely implications for agriculture. At high mid-latitudes, agriculture is at present constrained by low temperatures; projections of preferential warming at these latitudes suggest that their productive potential may be enhanced, although the traditional balance between agriculture and forestry may be disrupted by a poleward retreat of the boreal zone, and by the problem of over-production of grain crops. Mid-latitude continental areas, containing the world's 'breadbasket' regions, may suffer declines in productivity due to increased moisture stress during the growing season. The most inherently vulnerable regions, generally located at lower middle and low latitudes, appear to be particularly at risk as any changes in climate may further stress the already limited production capacity.

Infant-furniture-related injuries among preschool children in New Zealand, 1987-1996.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of infant-furniture-related fatalities and hospitalizations in New Zealand, for children aged 0-4 years. METHODS: Infant-furniture-related deaths and hospitalizations were selected from the New Zealand Health Information Service databases for the 10-year period 1987-1996. Intentional injuries were excluded. RESULTS: Forty-three fatalities were identified. Twenty-two fatalities (51%) occurred in cots, while 13 (30%) occurred in beds. Other products involved were prams, push chairs, high chairs, car seats, portable cots and walkers. A total of 1679 infants were hospitalized through infant-furniture-related injuries. Increasing trends in hospitalizations for baby walkers, beds and bunks were observed. CONCLUSIONS: On average, four infants die each year from injuries related to infant furniture, and hospitalizations from injuries associated with infant furniture use are increasing. Mandatory standards are one measure to reduce these numbers, but education is also necessary.

Shopping trolley-related injuries to children in New Zealand, 1988-97.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of shopping trolley related injuries (fatalities and hospitalizations) to children in New Zealand prior to the introduction of a voluntary standard for shopping trolleys. METHODOLOGY: To identify cases, a key word search was conducted of national mortality and hospitalization databases for the years 1988-97. Cases were limited to children under 15 years of age. RESULTS: For the 10 year period investigated, 282 hospitalizations and no fatalities were identified. A significant increasing trend for hospitalizations was detected (chi2 = 17.6, 1 d.f.; P < 0.001). Ninety-two per cent of children hospitalized were aged under 5 years and two-thirds were aged 2 years or younger. Ninety per cent of injuries resulted from falls from trolleys, 84% of injuries were to the head or face and 22% were rated serious (AIS-3) on the Abbreviated Injury Scale. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of injuries associated with shopping trolleys increased between 1988 and 1997. Following the introduction of a voluntary standard for shopping trolleys in 1999, which included specifications for child harnesses, trends in injury should be monitored.

Climatic changes and future land use potential in Europe

Future climatic changes due to increasing atmospheric concentrations of radiatively active trace gases are likely to induce significant regional changes in land use potential in Europe. Three approaches to assessing the effects of climatic change on land use potential are identified : descriptive, correlational and physiological. These are illustrated (with particular reference to agriculture) using examples from assessments already completed both within Europe and elsewhere in the world. Potential technological and management responses to climatic change are also briefly outlined. (AU)