Dangers of Backyard Trampolines

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 91,870 trampoline-related hospital visits in 2001. Of those injured on or near a trampoline, about 93 percent were less than 15 years of age, and 11 percent were less than 5 years of age. These injuries commonly involve damage to the head or neck.

The most dangerous aspects of trampoline use include:

• Colliding with another person on the trampoline
• Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline
• Falling or jumping off the trampoline
• Falling on the trampoline springs or frame

Consider some tips the CPSC has provided to ensure your children play as safely as possible:

• Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
• Do not attempt or allow somersaults because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
• Do not use the trampoline without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover its springs, hooks and frame.
• No child under 6 years of age should use a full-size trampoline.
• Always supervise children who use a trampoline.
• Trampoline net enclosures can help prevent injuries from falls from trampolines.

To find the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Trampoline Safety Alert, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/085.html