Home Trampoline use may cause Injuries
Every few years the American Academy of Pediatrics issues a warning against home trampoline use. We are a home trampoline using family. So, as a parent, I just wanted to take a moment to address the common causes of injuries due to home trampoline use.
Sources of Injury
There are three primary sources of injury when using a home trampoline: People, gravity, and equipment.
1. The number one causes of injury on a home trampoline is having too many people on the trampoline at once; and the smaller person nearly always suffers the greater injury. This common trampoline injury is completely preventable through effective adult supervision.
Image courtesy of Anekoho at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
2. The second most reported reason for trampoline injury is due to falls from the trampoline surface. In 1999, the International Trampoline Industry Association took voluntary steps to prevent falls from the trampoline and recommended enclosures. Unfortunately, the AAP has noted that enclosures have not significantly prevented falls. The researchers cite the following reasons:
- Low-quality safety materials.
- Low-quality trampolines.
- Decreased time-limits on manufacturer's warranty.
- Increased use of warning statements.
If you already own a trampoline or are thinking about purchasing a trampoline, read the safety warnings before buying. ironically, the following quote is from a 2015 model trampoline which touts itself as "the safer trampoline":
WARNING: Do not touch or rebound off the safety enclosure mesh while using the trampoline. - Airzone Band; the safer trampoline 55' Band Trampoline & Safety Enclosure User's Manual, AZB-B-2, page 1.
Or in other words, if the safety enclosure does nothing to prevent an injury, don't blame us, we told you not to touch it.
3. The final most reported reason for trampolines injuries is due to hitting the components of the trampoline itself. The AAP again recommends padding on these areas to prevent injury. But again, many trampoline manufacturers use the most basic materials to meet safety standards. Here is another quote right out of a trampoline manual. It is a large quote, so I took out the legaleze:
Warning Information...landing on Springs or Frame...frame pads or spring covers on their own do not give adequate protection. Jump Sport Inc. 14ft Variable-Bounce Trampoline System. Manual INS-P-10048F, page 36.
This is the manufacturer's way of telling you their pads and covers work...but only if your children never touch or jump on them.
CONCLUSION:
The three most commonly reported instances of trampoline injuries are: too many people using the trampoline, falling off the trampoline surface, or landing on the springs or frame. Adequate supervision can reduce injuries for the first reason, but only changes in trampoline manufacturing can reduce injuries from the other two injury sources. If you want to see a trampoline which is made specifically to avoid injury and doesn't hide behind numerous "cover our butt" warning labels, click on the button below.