Trampoline safety – It's flippin' important
An estimated eight kids a day are injured by trampolines in Australia, and hundreds of Australian children are taken to hospital every year for trampoline-related injuries. Don’t let your trampoline spring a nasty surprise. The ACCC, Kidsafe and state consumer protection agencies have teamed up with Olympian trampolinist Blake Gaudry to help parents and carers keep trampolining safe for kids.
Check out the video featuring Aussie Olympian trampolinist Blake Gaudry explain the simple steps you can take to avoid trampoline injuries.
Unsafe trampolines or using trampolines unsafely can cause a range of injuries including:
- superficial contusions
- head injuries.
There are over 3,000 trampoline-related injuries reported each year in Australia, making them some of the most reported product-related injuries to children in Australia. This equates to at least eight people a day being injured on a trampoline.
Of particular concern is the increasing number of injuries among children less than five years of age (approximately 10% per year) and in injuries associated with multiple users.
In 2014 trampolines were the second biggest cause of hospital-treated injuries on play equipment.
Follow this checklist to keep kids safe on trampolines:
1. One at a time
Make sure there is only one child on the trampoline.
Watch children at all times, and take extra care with younger children as they are more prone to serious injury.
Ensure your children learn basic bounces first before trying more complex manoeuvres – overconfidence can lead to injury.
Keep toddlers away from the trampoline when it is in use and especially ensure they do not go underneath it. Infants can suffer serious injuries from falls, pinching and crushing if they use trampolines or are near a trampoline others are using.
3. Safety padding
Always use safety padding on the frame.
4. Check condition
Regularly check the:
- mat and net don’t have holes
- springs are intact and securely attached at both ends
- frame is not bent
- leg braces are locked.
5. Hazard free surrounds
- the area around the trampoline is free from hazards like walls, fences or garden furniture
- cover at least a 2.5 metre wide area of ground all around the trampoline with a thick layer of soft, impact-absorbing material – for example pine bark and woodchips. Rake this regularly to reduce compacting
- there is an overhead clearance to avoid objects like clotheslines, trees and wires. A minimum overhead clearance of eight metres from ground level is recommended.