Trampoline play ‘brings dangers’

Fremantle Hospital Emergency Department co-director Mark Monaghan said trampolines without safety netting continued to pose a risk to young children, particularly for broken upper limbs.

‘Of those without safety netting, elevated trampolines are generally considered more dangerous than ground-level trampolines,’ he said.

‘I would urge all trampoline owners to install safety netting to help prevent injuries and keep children safe.’

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said at least eight children a day were injured on trampolines in Australia. ‘We urge parents and carers to follow our safety checklist so this activity can be enjoyed injury-free,’ Commissioner Sarah Court said.

‘Children aged five to nine are at greatest risk of being hurt and injuries include fractures, open wounds, dislocations and head injuries.

‘Unfortunately, there has also been one trampoline-related death of a child in Australia,’ she said.

A survey in March by Kidsafe WA identified a range of unsafe practices that could be putting children at risk, including reports of up to five or more children being on a trampoline at once. Also of concern was that less than a quarter of parents and carers said they always supervised their children on trampolines.

The ACCC has released a video Trampoline safety ” It’s flippin’ important featuring Olympian trampolinist Blake Gaudry, which can be watched on the ACCC Product Safety YouTube channel.

Trampoline safety tips:– Ensure only one child at a time uses the trampoline.– Supervise children at all times, regardless of age. It is recommendedchildren under six should not use trampolines but if they do,take extra care with them.– Use safety padding on the frame to avoid injuries if a childaccidentally hits the frame.– Regularly check the mat and net don’t have holes, springs are intactand securely attached at both ends, frame is not bent and legbraces are securely locked.– Ensure the area around the trampoline is free from hazardssuch as walls, fences, play equipment, garden furniture,clotheslines, trees and wires.