7
S002211 6ft Trampoline
Safety Information
Trampolines are fun, encourage the development of gross motor skills, provide
opportunities for physical activity and present users with manageable challenges to
find and test their limits. However, like many physical activities, trampoline use involves
potential risk of injury, particularly if the equipment is used improperly.
Injury surveillance and hospital admissions data shows that trampolines feature
frequently in injury presentations and admissions. Children under 14 years of age account
for about 90% of all trampoline-related injuries. 28% of the trampoline-related injuries
were sustained by children under five years of age and more than a third of the injuries
related to multi-users. (Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit—Hazard 75, Autumn 2013, pg.
3.)
The following points are important to note:
a. Injury data indicates that people can be severely injured if they land on an unprotected
trampoline frame or springs or if they fall from the trampoline. Impact attenuation
systems such as pads are intended to minimise the risk of injury and enclosures are
intended to stop people falling off the trampoline.
Ensure pads (where they are required) and enclosures are attached to the trampoline
before use.
b. The risk of injury increases when more than one person at a time bounces on a
trampoline. Smaller children are at increased risk when jumping with adults and/
or larger children. For example, a ‘double bounce’ dramatically increases the energy
transferred to the smaller body and children’s legs have been broken and severe spinal
injuries have occurred as a result.
Ensure only one person at a time bounces on the trampoline.
c. Children are often unable to identify hazards and do not have a well-developed ability
to assess risk and may, if left unsupervised, be at more risk of injury.
Always supervise children while they are using the trampoline.
d. Over-confidence can lead to injury.
Learn fundamental bounces first before trying more complex manoeuvres.
e. Inappropriate clothing can cause injury.
Clothing should allow plenty of body movement without flapping loosely and becoming a
distraction to the jumper.
Wear clothing free of drawstrings, hooks, loops or anything that could get caught while
using the trampoline and result in entanglement or strangulation. Buckles, jewellery and
belts should not be worn, as these may damage the trampoline mat or cause injury to
the jumper if they become caught in the fabric of the trampoline.
Shoes should be removed as they may damage the bed and increase the risk of injury.
