27 Aug Community centres and safety: the importance of finger guards in public spaces
Community centres have long supported society and all the individuals within. As a place where people meet, celebrate and socialise, the modern day community centre still sits at the heart of the UK’s social infrastructure. Many provide hubs that local communities depend on, and that’s never been more important as Home Sight explains:
“In today’s digital age, face-to-face interactions are becoming increasingly rare, yet these personal connections are vital for nurturing social cohesion. Community centres offer a venue where individuals can engage with one another in meaningful ways. Whether through group activities such as dance classes, sports leagues, or community theatre, these centres create opportunities for people to form lasting relationships.”
As well as offering a jam-packed itinerary for locals to get stuck into, a community centre should first and foremost be a safe space. Here we discuss the part our finger guards play in achieving just that!
Say “no” to door-related injuries
The main reason for installing finger protection guards is to prevent painful and potentially severe finger and hand injuries, which are an even greater risk in public spaces with high footfall.
Door-related accidents are debilitating yet often considered rites of passage, with everyone trapping their fingers or hands in a door at some point. As a community centre owner or manager however, you don’t have to accept the risk; eliminate it with our finger protection products! Fingersafe guards present a physical barrier that stands between the dangerous hinge gap of a door and wandering hands.
Unlike other guards on the market, they actively eject fingers to reduce the chance of entrapment to ZERO.
Protect society’s most vulnerable
In community centres the stakes are even higher, with people of all ages and abilities attending events, including babies, children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities. These groups are more vulnerable to accidents and less able to react quickly to avoid danger, with younger children under 9 deemed the most at risk.
Thankfully, finger guards offer peace of mind to safety conscious parents, caregivers and facility managers by creating a safer environment for everyone.
Doors equipped with finger guards can also be easier to use for people with limited hand strength or dexterity, keeping your community centre accessible and inclusive, and further supporting more vulnerable visitors.
Reduce liability and legal risks
By law, facility owners and managers have a duty of care to ensure safety on-site, even if the community centre or hall doesn’t employ anyone and its committee consists of only volunteers. In accordance with the latest health and safety legislation, all owners and/or managers should take reasonable measures to ensure the safe use of the building, its access points, and any equipment or substances stored within.
Whether affecting a visiting member of the public or a volunteer, door entrapment injuries can lead to costly claims and legal repercussions if the necessary precautions aren’t taken. Installing finger protection guards is a great way to demonstrate a proactive commitment to safety standards, reducing the risk of liability from avoidable accidents.
Keep things moving – safely!
Injuries in busy community centres can cause significant disruptions, with emergency responses, first aid treatment and even temporary closures wreaking havoc for your centre, its visitors and its volunteers. By installing our finger guards, you can prevent accidents before they happen to keep operations running smoothly and guarantee a positive experience for all.
A positive change for everyone
The installation of finger protection guards sends a very clear message – safety is a priority for your community centre and its staff. Putting safety first also doesn’t have to break the bank. With budgets often tight in community projects, door guard installation is considered a cost effective preventative measure, especially in comparison to the medical costs and lost time associated with treating finger injuries.
Our finger guards really are the practical choice for publicly funded community centres. Shop our full range for further details or contact us to discuss your needs.
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