Following a recent survey of over 650 people, conducted by Kidsafe Western Australia on behalf of the ACCC, the ACCC is warning parents and carers about safe trampoline practices. The survey revealed that nearly 40% of the respondents’ own kids had being injured on a trampoline or were aware of someone else’s child who had been injured.
The ACCC will be using the survey results to develop a national trampoline safety campaign in partnership with state and territory consumer protection agencies while also working with Standards Australia to improve the Australian Standard for trampolines.
A lack of supervision and allowing too many children to jump at the same time were cited as the main causes of injuries. ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said that, “[w]hile the research indicates that some parents and carers are taking precautions such as regularly checking for wear and tear, we need to ensure that all consumers are following safety information. Trampolines can put children at risk of serious injuries when used inappropriately.”
The ACCC lists a number of simple tips to ensure that kids stay safe on trampolines, including:
- Use safety padding on the frame to avoid injuries if a child accidentally hits the frame.
- Ensure only one child uses the trampoline at a time.
- Supervise children at all times, regardless of age and take extra care with younger children as they are more prone to serious injury on trampolines.
- 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.
- Regularly check that the trampoline is in good condition to ensure that the mat does not have holes, springs are intact and securely attached at both ends, frame is not bent and leg braces are securely locked.
- Ensure your children learn basic bounces first before trying more complex manoeuvres – overconfidence can lead to injury.
Happy jumping everyone!
The ACCC has also provided sources of further information: visit www.productsafety.gov.au, call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or Twitter at www.twitter.com/ACCCProdSafety.
Photo credit: aussiegall / Foter.com / CC BY
