Results-Logistic regression models fitted to the data indicated that the risk of injury being sustained in a fall was increased if the equipment failed to comply with the maximum fall height (odds ratio (OR) = 3-0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0 7 to 13-1), surfacing (OR = 2-3; 95% CI 1-0 to 5 0), or safe fall height (OR = 21; 95% CI 1 1 to 4 0) requirements. Falls from heights in excess of 1'5 metres increased the risk of injury 4-1 times that of falls from 1-5 metres or less and it was estimated that a 45% reduction in children attending emergency departments could be achieved if the maximum fall height was lowered to 1 5 metres. Conclusions-Although the height and surfacing requirements of the New Zealand standard are effective in preventing injury in falls from playground equipment, consideration should be given to lowering the maximum permissible fall height to 1-5 metres. (Injury Prevention 1996; 2: 98-104)

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