ACCC issues new trampoline safety guidelines

Figures show thousands of children injured on trampolines every year in Australia

More than 3,000 trampoline injuries are reported each year, with children aged between five and nine at most risk, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Eight children a day are being hurt, and injuries reported to doctors include fractures, cuts, joint dislocations and head injuries.

Authorities warned the number of injuries has remained stubbornly high despite major improvements to trampoline safety designs.

Experts suggest the way children played on the equipment contributes to the high number of injuries.

New safety tips, unveiled by the ACCC today, include warnings to parents to regularly check trampoline springs are intact and not damaged and ensuring there are no overhead objects such as clotheslines, trees and wires nearby.

SAFETY TIPS

• Make sure only one child at a time uses the trampoline.
• Supervise children at all times, regardless of their age.
• If children under six use trampolines, make sure they take extra care.
• Use safety padding on the equipment’s frame and regularly check the conditions of the mats and net.
• Make sure there are no holes, that the springs are intact and securely attached at both ends, that the frame is not bent and leg braces are securely locked.
• Keep the trampoline away from hazards like walls, fences, play equipment and garden furniture and that overhead objects like clotheslines, trees and wires are far away.

Read the full story from news.com.au here.