sally37
02-08-2005, 06:22 PM
Jumping on a trampoline may be a bit safer in future after health experts came up with some hints and tips.
They offered the guidance after a big rise in the number of injuries suffered by people playing on trampolines.
Some of their tips include not placing the trampoline near trees or fences, and not letting children younger than six bounce on them at all.
The most recent figures - from 2002 - show a 50% rise in trampoline accidents compared to five years' before in 1997. And this year a 12-year-old boy was killed after using a trampoline, while a 14-year-old seriously injured his back just a week ago.
But it's not just from falling off trampolines that people can get injured.
Physiotherapists say people often don't realise using a trampoline is like doing serious exercise, so bouncing can cause aches and strains similar to over-exercise.
David Walker, an officer at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said he didn't think trampolines were dangerous toys.
But he added that people need to be aware that they can suffer serious injuries if they are not careful.
Trampoline safety tips
Set the trampoline up in hole, so falling distance is not as great
Keep it free of fences and trees
Ensure springs, hooks and frame all covered by padding
Place cushioning, such as wood chips or padding around trampoline
Children should always be supervised
Only one person should use it at a time
Children under six should not use them
Do not exit trampoline by bouncing
Remove all jewellery
Now thats getting a bit out of hand what do you guys think about it?
They offered the guidance after a big rise in the number of injuries suffered by people playing on trampolines.
Some of their tips include not placing the trampoline near trees or fences, and not letting children younger than six bounce on them at all.
The most recent figures - from 2002 - show a 50% rise in trampoline accidents compared to five years' before in 1997. And this year a 12-year-old boy was killed after using a trampoline, while a 14-year-old seriously injured his back just a week ago.
But it's not just from falling off trampolines that people can get injured.
Physiotherapists say people often don't realise using a trampoline is like doing serious exercise, so bouncing can cause aches and strains similar to over-exercise.
David Walker, an officer at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said he didn't think trampolines were dangerous toys.
But he added that people need to be aware that they can suffer serious injuries if they are not careful.
Trampoline safety tips
Set the trampoline up in hole, so falling distance is not as great
Keep it free of fences and trees
Ensure springs, hooks and frame all covered by padding
Place cushioning, such as wood chips or padding around trampoline
Children should always be supervised
Only one person should use it at a time
Children under six should not use them
Do not exit trampoline by bouncing
Remove all jewellery
Now thats getting a bit out of hand what do you guys think about it?