Explore Freely,
Play Safely.
Playground Injury Investigation & Expert Witness Services
Uncover the facts. Support the outcome. Protect the future.
Playground injuries can be complex, and determining what went wrong is essential. That’s where Playsafe’s Expert Witness and Injury Investigation Service provides critical support — offering independent, professional insights to help uncover the truth.
Accredited Expert Witness Support for Playground Injuries
When a playground accident occurs, expert analysis is key to understanding whether standards were met and if the incident was preventable. Playsafe delivers accredited Expert Witness services tailored to playground injury and accident investigations.
We provide:
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Independent, court-compliant reports
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Peer-reviewed, evidence-based findings
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Confidential services for all parties – including Prosecution, Defense, and civil litigation stakeholders
Our reports are fully aligned with judicial requirements and support legal proceedings, dispute resolution, or internal reviews.
Who We Work With
Our expertise is trusted by a wide range of clients, including:
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Local councils and government departments
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School Boards of Trustees
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Childcare centres and early learning providers
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Playground equipment manufacturers
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Health and safety professionals
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Legal and insurance representatives
Whether the concern involves outdoor parks, indoor play centres, or specialty equipment, our insights assist in determining compliance, accountability, and causation.
What We Investigate
Our team has conducted investigations across a broad range of playground incidents. The most common contributing factors include:
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Faulty or inappropriate equipment design or construction
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Non-compliance with NZS5828 or international safety standards
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Inadequate inspection or maintenance procedures
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Unsafe or insufficient impact safety surfacing
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Issues with supervision or user behaviour
How We Help
We’ll investigate the scene, assess the equipment and layout, and review documentation and maintenance records. Our services include:
✅ On-site forensic inspections
✅ Compliance assessments
✅ Detailed expert reports
✅ Impact Attenuation Test
✅ Opinion-based evidence for court use
✅ Support during tribunal hearings or arbitration
We aim to provide clear, factual insight to help courts and stakeholders make informed decisions.
Get in Touch – In Confidence
If you're facing a playground-related injury investigation or legal proceeding, Playsafe is here to help.
Speak to our experienced team today to learn how our Expert Witness service can provide clarity, accountability, and peace of mind.
📞 Contact us confidentially to discuss your case or request a quote.
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What is a Certified Level 3 Playground Inspection?A Level 3 inspection is the most comprehensive audit available, conducted by an RPII-certified inspector. It assesses compliance with NZS5828:2015/EN1176, identifies safety risks, and provides actionable recommendations.
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Who needs a Level 3 inspection?Schools, early childhood centres, councils, and anyone responsible for playground safety should schedule regular Level 3 audits to ensure legal and ethical responsibilities are met.
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How often should I get a Level 3 inspection?The NZS5828 standard recommends an annual Level 3 inspection to maintain compliance and identify issues such as wear and tear, environmental changes, or structural concerns. In practice, we advise Schools and Councils to schedule comprehensive inspections annually, while Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres may consider a 2-yearly inspection cycle.
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What does the inspection cover?Our 10-point audit includes structural integrity, entrapment risks, fall zones, surfacing, maintenance issues, material condition, and full compliance with NZS5828:2015.
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What qualifications do your inspectors have?All inspections are carried out by RPII Level 3 Certified Playground Inspectors — the highest internationally recognised certification for play safety auditing.
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What do I receive after the inspection?You’ll get a digital report with risk ratings, recommendations, compliance details, photos, a Certificate of Inspection, and an audit label for your site.
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Is this service recognised by the Ministry of Education or ERO?Yes. Our inspection service is recommended by both the Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office (ERO), and is widely used across New Zealand by Local Govt, Early Childhood and Indoor Commercial entities.
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Is the inspection impartial?Absolutely. Playsafe provides unbiased, third-party evaluations. We are independent of all suppliers and manufacturers and do not sell equipment, so our advice is always in your best interest.
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How long does an inspection take?Most inspections take 1–2 hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the playground. The final report is typically delivered within 5 working days.
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What if my playground doesn’t pass the inspection?Don’t worry — our reports include practical guidance to bring your playground up to standard, whether that’s through repairs, replacements, or surface improvements.
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Are your inspectors vetted and insured?Yes. All Playsafe inspectors are police-vetted, professionally trained, and covered by public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
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Can you inspect multiple sites or centres?Yes, we offer inspections for multi-site providers, trusts, and councils. Group discounts and consolidated reporting are available.