Safety Hazards of Trampolines

Researchers at Columbus Children's Research Institute in Ohio found evidence that 87 percent of mini trampoline and 89 percent of large trampoline injuries occurred on a trampoline at the victim's home in 2005. As technology advanced, trampoline makers responded to the injuries by offering safety covers and enclosed netting. While trampolines provide exhilarating activities, the structure lends itself to hazards for all ages, though children under 17 suffer the most injuries. The best ways to prevent hazards is to choose a safe location for the trampoline and supervise jumpers at all times.

Falling

• Trampolines come in sizes that offer enough space for more than one person. However, the way a trampoline works when two people jump on the trampoline is different than with one person. As one person jumps, they land near another jumper, which causes a force from the trampoline to make the other person jump higher. If jumpers get too aggressive, one powerful jump sends the other jumper off the trampoline, dropping from 10 to 15 feet from the ground. In addition, the temptation to perform stunts such as back flips or somersaults causes a hazard, as you cannot always see where your feet might land. When choosing a location for the trampoline, don't place it near concrete or hard floors, near structures or other play areas to help reduce the chance of injury.

Colliding

• With multiple jumpers, the dangers increase again because two people collide while on the trampoline. If one child jumps, falters and accidentally bangs his head into another child, the injuries could be serious for both parties. However, the best way to avoid these accidents is by only allowing one person on at a time for the trampoline. Always supervise kids around a trampoline, and while adults may want to jump along with kids, the imbalance of weight causes children to lose control, either colliding with grown-ups or falling off the trampoline.

Caught in Springs

• Some older trampolines do not come with safety pads around the perimeter of the trampoline, where the springs connect. There is nothing in between the springs to prevent a foot or leg from falling through if someone loses control and steps back, only to slip through the hole. Getting caught in the springs while others jump increases the chance of severe damage to the child, as the springs twist and pinch the body parts stuck in between. Always cover the springs, hooks and frame to prevent these types of injuries.

Bodily Injuries

• Many injuries are associated with trampoline activities. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that since 1990, many deaths have occurred in relation to trampoline accidents. Bruises, sprains, fractures and cuts are the most common bodily injuries on trampolines. Children under the age of 15 experience the most bodily injuries, according to the CPSC. Children younger than 6 were more likely to suffer from head lacerations than any other injury, according to Columbus Children's Research Institute. The studies also showed that lower extremity strains and sprains are the most common trampoline injuries.