How Many Injuries Are Caused By Trampolines?
Outdoor trampolines offer fantastic physical and mental health benefits, promoting fitness and family fun for thousands across the UK. However, with 13,000 injuries reported annually in England, understanding proper safety measures is essential to ensure safe enjoyment of this popular garden activity.
Important Notice: This article provides general safety information about garden trampolines based on RoSPA, AAP, and NHS guidelines. Always consult manufacturer instructions, current safety regulations, and your healthcare provider before allowing children to use a trampoline.
Benefits of Safe Trampolining
- Improves cardiovascular fitness and coordination
- Develops balance and spatial awareness
- Provides enjoyable outdoor exercise for the whole family
- Helps build confidence and physical skills
- Creates lasting memories of active family time
Trampoline Injury Statistics in the UK
Annual Number of Injuries
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reports that trampoline injuries UK hospitals treat amount to roughly 13,000 cases yearly. These incidents range from minor sprains to severe trauma requiring hospitalisation.
Age Groups Most Affected
Children under 15 represent the majority of trampoline-related injuries, with those under 6 accounting for 22-37% of emergency department visits. Medical professionals particularly warn about garden trampoline injuries in younger children, as they lack the physical development to control their bouncing effectively.
Types of Injuries
Recent trampoline accident statistics reveal:
- Lower extremity injuries (34-50% of cases)
- Upper extremity injuries (24-36% of cases)
- Head and neck injuries (10-17% of cases)
- Ankle sprains (most common single injury)
Severity of Injuries
Approximately 3% of trampoline injuries result in hospitalisation, with 0.5% leading to permanent neurological damage. These statistics highlight why proper safety measures are crucial.
Comparison to Other Countries
UK trampoline injury rates are comparable to other developed nations, with similar patterns seen in the United States and Australia. However, the UK has taken significant steps in implementing trampoline safety rules UK wide.
Common Causes of Trampoline Injuries
Landing Incorrectly
Poor landings account for a significant portion of injuries, particularly when users attempt stunts or lose balance. Falls from the trampoline represent 27-39% of all reported incidents.
Multiple Jumpers
Approximately 75% of injuries occur with multiple simultaneous users. Smaller children are up to 14 times more likely to be injured when bouncing with larger individuals.
Supervision Issues
Despite adult presence, one-third to one-half of injuries occur under supervision, indicating that proper knowledge of trampoline safety rules UK guidelines is essential for supervising adults.
Faulty Equipment
About 20% of injuries involve contact with springs and frames, emphasising the importance of regular maintenance and proper safety features.
Stunts and Tricks
Attempted somersaults and flips account for many severe injuries, particularly those affecting the head and neck.
Trampoline Safety Tips for the UK
Age and Weight Limits
Children under 6 years should not use full-sized trampolines. Different age groups should never mix during use due to weight differentials.
One Jumper at a Time Rule
This is the most crucial of all trampoline safety rules UK experts recommend, as it significantly reduces collision risks.
Proper Supervision Guidelines
According to the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, effective supervision requires:
- Maintaining constant visual contact with jumpers
- Watching for signs of fatigue or loss of control
- Immediately stopping any dangerous behaviour or unauthorised stunts
- Ensuring jumpers stay in the centre of the trampoline
- Monitoring bounce height to prevent over-excitement
Real-Life Impact:
While serious injuries are rare when safety guidelines are followed, the consequences of unsafe use can be severe. Head and neck injuries, though representing only 10-17% of cases, can have life-changing impacts. This underscores why proper supervision and safety measures are non-negotiable.
Safe Landing Area
Install on energy absorbing ground such as a soft, springy lawn, bark wood chip, or sand. Maintain a minimum 2.5-metre clearance from obstacles like trees, washing lines, poles, and glass frames. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust recommends considering sinking your trampoline into the ground as a safety option and purchasing additional crash mats. Never place trampolines on hard surfaces like concrete or tarmac without proper safety matting.
Regular Equipment Checks
Ensure trampolines are tied down before use and inspect padding, netting, and springs regularly for wear and damage. During winter months or severe weather, consider packing down the trampoline. If your trampoline has a ladder, remove it when not in use to prevent unsupervised access by smaller children. Never combine alcohol with trampolining - children have been hurt while bouncing with adults at summer garden parties.
Trampoline Safety Standards in the UK
British Standards Institution (BSI) Guidelines
BSI trampoline safety standards require all domestic trampolines to meet EN71-14:2014 specifications for construction and safety features.
Role of Trading Standards
Trading Standards monitors compliance with safety regulations and investigates reported safety issues.
Product Safety Recalls
The Office for Product Safety and Standards maintains records of trampoline-related recalls and safety notices.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Product Liability Claims
Manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective equipment or inadequate safety warnings.
Homeowner's Insurance Coverage
Many UK insurance policies require specific safety measures for trampoline coverage, including proper enclosures and supervision.
Trampoline Park Liability
Commercial trampoline parks must maintain additional safety measures and insurance coverage compared to domestic installations.
NHS Essential Safety Rules
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Emergency Department (2022) outlines these crucial safety rules for children:
- Never jump off - always stop bouncing before climbing down
- Stand well back when others are using the trampoline
- Never go underneath the trampoline when someone is using it
- Consider the trampoline "out of bounds" when:
- It's wet
- The padding has separated from springs
- Any splits or damage are visible
- Children under 6 years should only use trampolines specifically designed for their age range
While trampoline injuries UK statistics may seem concerning, proper adherence to safety guidelines and BSI trampoline safety standards can significantly reduce risks. Regular maintenance, appropriate supervision, and following trampoline safety rules UK authorities recommend will help ensure safe enjoyment of this popular garden activity.
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