It’s summer, so it’s time for you and your kids to play in your back yard! Be sure there are no safety hazards waiting to ruin your day…..
Home trampolines have become more and more popular in
recent years – and trampoline injury rates have risen dramatically since
the early 1990s. In fact, over 80,000 trampoline injuries were treated in
U.S. Emergency Rooms in 1996 – and two thirds occurred in children ages of
5-14. Forty percent of the injuries were sprains, 30% fractures; nearly 10%
were head and neck injuries. Although catastrophic neck/spinal cord
injuries were rare, many of these head and neck injuries required
hospitalization. Most of these injuries occurred on home trampolines. Most
of the injuries occur from falls sustained on or off the trampoline. Many
injuries occur when there are simultaneous multiple users. Because of the dangers noted above, the American Academy
of Pediatrics makes the following recommendations regarding trampolines: ·
Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or
allow children to use home trampolines ·
The trampoline should not be part of routine
physical education classes in schools ·
The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds
and should never be regarded as play equipment. ·
There may be a role for limited use of trampolines,
under specific, trained, direct
supervision, for training use in specific sports such as gymnastics and
diving, if specific safety guidelines are followed. Even in this
circumstance the use of trampolines by children under age 6 is not
recommended. Each year over 200,000 preschool and elementary school
age children receive emergency care for injuries that occurred on
playground equipment. About a quarter of these occur on home playground
equipment – but 70 percent of the 147 deaths related to playground
equipment that occurred between 1990-2000 happened at home. Injuries to the
head and face make up about half of the injuries to young children (<4),
while children ages 5-14 are more likely to injure the arm or hand . The most common injuries are fractures
(39%), lacerations (22%), and
contusions/abrasions (20%). Strings and ropes can provide an additional
strangulation risk. Over 80% of home playground injuries involve a fall to
the surface. The National Program for Playground Safety recommends
the following safety tips: ·
Make sure adult supervision is present, but strings
and ropes aren’t ·
Make sure children play on age-appropriate
equipment ·
Make sure falls to the surface are cushioned
(acceptable surfaces include mulch, pea gravel, sand, rubber mats) ·
Make sure the equipment is safe, anchored, and well maintained Grill (Fry?) Those Brats – But Be Careful! Summer in Wisconsin means back yard cookouts – a great
tradition but not without its dangers. Here are some tips for safe grilling
this summer: ·
Never use a grill indoors, in a garage or carport,
inside a tent or under any surface that could catch fire – doing so
increases risks of both carbon monoxide poisoning and fires ·
Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill area ·
Keep all children and pets away from the grill
while in operation and after use until the grill is cooled to avoid burns ·
Keep children away from other grilling-related
hazards – lighter fluid, propane ·
Never leave a grill unattended or allow children to
play or run in the area of the grill ·
Do not wear loose clothing while grilling, and
always use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance from
the grill ·
If you have a gas grill, always turn the propane
tank off after grilling. Check hoses, connections, and grill parts often
for leaks or weak areas. Check for gas leaks using a soapy water solution. ·
If you have a charcoal grill, never add lighter
fluid after the grill is lit
Trampolines – Serious Injuries waiting to happen
Is your Swing Set / Play Gym safe?