CPSC Reports Sharp Rise in Trampoline Injuries<BR>
Olympic Debut of Sport Underscores Rising Popularity
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2000
Release # 00-183
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058
CPSC Reports Sharp Rise in Trampoline Injuries Olympic Debut of Sport Underscores Rising Popularity
WASHINGTON, D.C. - % (CPSC) today
released a report showing that hospital emergency room-treated
trampoline injuries almost tripled in the last decade - from an
estimated 37,500 in 1991 to almost 100,000 in 1999. Nearly two-thirds of
the victims were children 6 to 14 years of age. About 15 percent of
injuries involved young children under 6 years old. Since 1990, CPSC has
received reports of 11 deaths related to trampoline use.
Trampolines have become increasingly popular in recent years. For
the first time, trampoline gymnastics will be a featured sport at the
Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia later this week. In 1998, an
estimated 640,000 backyard trampolines were sold in the United States.
Most trips to the emergency room are the result of jumpers
colliding with one another, falling on the trampoline springs or frame,
falling or jumping off the trampoline, or attempting somersaults and
stunts.
To reduce injuries, CPSC has worked with the industry to develop a
new standard for trampolines, which went into effect in 1999. Four
new requirements were added to make trampolines safer and alert
consumers to potential dangers:
Padding must completely cover the metal frame, hooks, and all
springs.
There must be a label on the trampoline box stating, trampolines
over 20 inches tall are not recommended for children under 6 years
of age.
Ladders cannot be sold with trampolines to prevent access by young
children.
Warning label on the trampoline bed must alert consumers not to
allow more than one person to jump at a time and to warn against
somersaults that can cause paralysis and death.
"The Olympics could give the popularity of trampolines another bounce,"
said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Unfortunately, the injuries have already
reached Olympic proportions. The new safety standard along with taking
precautions could help prevent many of these injuries."
The CPSC recommends the following safety tips:
Always supervise children who use a trampoline.
Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
Do not allow somersaults.
Do not allow the trampoline to be used without padding that
completely covers the springs, hooks, and the frame.
Place the trampoline away from structures and other play areas.
Do not use a ladder with the trampoline because it provides
unsupervised access by small children.
Trampoline net enclosures can prevent injuries from falling off
the trampoline.