One function of play is to test abilities before they are called upon in real life. For example, an infant primate will test its ability to climb branches through play, building its abilities to cope at a time when it has to fend for itself. If human children use these abilities for real before they are ready then serious injury or worse could occur.
But we must not forget that accidents are a vital part of children's play. It is through accidents that they discover the boundaries of their capabilities - and learn how to adapt to do it better next time. Playgrounds provide children with the opportunity to have these accidents in a risk-managed setting. We do not seek the unachievable goal of absolute safety - indeed, this would be far more deleterious in the long term.
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