ROCKY HILL, Conn. -- Playground injuries caused by ladders, swings, monkey bars and other equipment send 1,600 Connecticut children to the emergency room every year, according to the Department of Consumer Protection.

Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. said his department is trying to get the word out to keep children safe.

"When sports are excluded, eight of the top 10 outdoor causes of head injury may be found in your yard or on any playground," Farrell said.

The good news, he said, is that many of those serious injuries can be prevented. To limit the risk of injury, the DCP has offered a long list of safety tips for viewers to follow. Among them:

Screws should not extend more than two threads beyond the nut to prevent cuts or entanglement.

Swings should have no obstructions in front or in back of them, such as trees, clotheslines or buildings.

Slides should not be made of metal because, in direct sunlight, they can get hot enough to cause burns.

All play equipment should be surrounded by a layer of wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber that is at least 9 inches deep.

For more safety tips, visit the DCP Web site and click on the "Public Playground Safety Handbook."