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Wendy Rubin, director of Parks and Recreation, contacted CIRMA for guidance on permissible activities in town parks. The discussion focused on the many risks associated with inflatable jumping gyms.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission's latest report estimates that there are about 4,900 injuries per year nationwide involving inflatable jumping gyms or rides. While rough play is a frequent cause of minor injury, the most severe injuries are caused by the inflatable device overturning in strong winds or collapsing because of an air pump mechanical failure.
As a result, the Parks and Recreation Department decided to prohibit the inflatable gyms and rides on town-owned property. This initiative, although not the most popular, will ensure that youngsters avoid injury and that the town will avoid liability.
CIRMA also salutes the town for its high attendance at CIRMA workshops, including sessions on Avoiding Municipal Liability and Summer Camp Liability.
CIRMA is a nonprofit organization and the largest municipal workers' compensation and liability/property insurer in the state. CIRMA began its annual Risk Control Achievement Award program 25 years ago to recognize those towns and school districts that have made significant efforts to improve safety and lower losses.
"Risk control is a powerful tool for towns and local public agencies. It enables them to prevent injuries, protect property, while providing better services to residents," said Bruce A. Wollschlager, CIRMA chief executive officer.
By utilizing this powerful risk-control tool, Newington has made its community a safer place for its young residents to live and play, he said.
CIRMA has operated since 1980 as a service program of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, an association of towns and cities. CIRMA operates two risk-sharing pools, the Worker's Compensation Pool and the Liability-Automobile-Property Pool. It provides risk management services to self-insured municipalities and local public agencies. Today, CIRMA's membership includes 372 local public entities with premiums totaling almost $70 million.
