Monthly Archives: June 2012

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

SAFE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER (GUEST POST)

There are more than 10 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States annually. In times of inclement weather, whether it be heavy rain, snow, ice or fog, the chances of being involved in an accident increase exponentially. With a few reminders, a driver can greatly reduce the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident in bad weather conditions.

Stopping distances increase dramatically as speed increases. Allowing for a proper stopping distance is probably the number one rule for safe driving in inclement weather. Stopping distance is measured as the distance covered by a vehicle at a given speed when applying brakes. The reaction time of the driver is factored into stopping distances. For an average passenger car, the overall stopping distance, including reaction time, travelling at 30 mph is 75 feet. When the speed is doubled to 60 mph the stopping distance increases to 240 feet, or more than 3 times the distance at 30 mph. 
In wet pavement conditions, stopping distances double. On icy roads, the stopping distance can increase as high as tenfold. Stopping an average vehicle on wet pavement at 60 mph may take nearly 500 feet, or nearly a 10th of a mile. 
Most are familiar with the rule of allowing 2 seconds of time between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. On wet pavement or ice, the time should be at least doubled. Simply observe the vehicle in front of you as it passes a stationary object next to the road, such as a road sign. Then count how long it takes your vehicle to reach the object. If less than 4 seconds elapse, you are following too close. Slow your vehicle to give yourself distance between you and the car in front.
Braking on ice, snow or wet pavement will differ depending on whether the vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS). With normal hydraulic brakes, the driver will pump the brakes rapidly to slow the vehicle. The pumping action is intended to prevent the wheels from locking, and ultimately skidding. 
On antilock brakes, the brake system performs the pumping action for the driver. The driver simply presses the brakes firmly, keeping constant pressure, and the brake system will rapidly apply intermittent pressure. The driver will know when the ABS is engaged, because the brake pedal will vibrate.
All windows and mirrors should be clear of ice, snow and fog while driving. Avoiding “peek hole” vision can mean the difference between avoiding an accident in time or being involved in one. During winter in snowy or icy climates, carrying a bag of salt, sand or even cat litter in the trunk of the vehicle will pay off should the vehicle become stuck. These items can be applied near the drive wheels to allow for traction, if stuck.
Finally, defensive driving becomes a greater priority in bad weather. Never assume that another driver is following the rules of the road and driving attentively. The driver should eyes roving, checking each direction, including side windows and mirrors. Be especially attentive at intersections, watching drivers approaching from the side or the opposite direction. Avoiding an accident with defensive driving techniques is a better result than claiming an accident isn’t your fault.
 
About the Author
Sam Marks loves to write about safety for http://www.defensivedrivingonline.net and has been a professional writer for 3 years. After a car accident that left her at home for several months, she developed a talent for writing about safety and considering things others look past.
 
We thank you for this article that instructs us on the exact protocols we should take in judging distance when driving in heavy rain, and other inclement weather.  With hurricane season beginning, parts of the southern U.S. may be experiencing downfalls of rain and high winds.  Keep these safety tips in mind all year.  They might save your life.  pb
 
General Safety Issues

TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT INSURANCE FOR HEALTH-RISK WORKERS- Guest Post

As workers, you should be thinking of getting health insurance coverage.  What insurance options do you have and what are the differences?  How do you pick the best insurer?  

Getting health insurance is a choice that workers may or may not take. A lot of them do, and people who do have greater chances of retaining workers over those who do not. Rationally, people searching for jobs would think of whether they could avail medical benefits from prospective employers. And considering other factors, they are most probably to pick those who offer coverage for dental, maternity and disability needs.  

What are the different kinds of health insurance? 

Normally, employers could offer health insurance coverage to workers through traditional insurance, using health maintenance organizations, or Preferred Provider Organizations. Basic insurance for low wage earners, disabled workers, and those who are aged 65 and above can avail of Medicare given by the government. Under the traditional health insurance, the insured worker has the freedom to pick any health care provider. Under managed care plans, the insurer works with a group of health care experts and hospitals to give medical care. The insured worker is restricted to these identified health care givers. Between a PPO and HMO, the former provides a narrower option of medical professionals. Premiums are greatest for traditional health insurance with that for HMOs coming next and for PPOs lowest. 

Health insurance for workers is health insurance that gives comprehensive protection for the employee as well as his or her family. This coverage is normally an added one other than life insurance for employees.  Health insurance is important to keep workers safe from unanticipated events. Health insurance can be a drive for workers because they are provided protection for themselves and relatives.

A lot of things must be considered when choosing the best insurance company. First is to look for companies that provide protection for 24 hours worldwide. It is very really essential if you have an international business. So when your workers are outside the country, they are still covered by health insurance program.  Next, locate companies that have a network of hospitals that are spread in several places. Keep in mind that accidents and any other mishaps can occur anytime and anywhere.

It is also best to choose a health insurance that gives off cashless facility so as not to burden  your workers in times of emergency. Also, another advantage is that it will ease the burden of the business.  Do not be worried to issue reimbursement or insurance claims in each occasion, so you will save funds and time for your business’ productivity.

Search for companies that provide flexibility in identifying the amount of premiums and advantages that suit your needs. Have you availed health coverage for yourself and family? Get one to improve your quality of health as well as productivity.

What are you waiting for? Stay healthy and productive; get a good health insurance program.

About The Author
Sarah Grace V. is part of the team behind Kanetix. Kanetix,ca is a company dedicated to offer fast and convenient services related to auto insurance. People can get and compare insurance quotes in an instant. To know more about their offers like

General Safety Issues

A SIMPLE GUIDE TO COLOR CODING AND MARKING WATER PIPES (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

A Simple Guide to Color Coding and Marking Water Pipes  By Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com, 503-469-3024, jarubinger@graphicproducts.com 

If you manage a New York apartment building, you’ve got to know where that water is flowing – for putting out fires and for upgrades, maintenance and inspections. With pre-war buildings and ancient water pipes, repairs are costly and inconvenient to dwellers dealing with essential service interruptions during major water pipe repairs.  Although water pipes and shut-off valve locations may be identifiable when schematic drawings are available, usually this documentation doesn’t exist – especially with older properties. 

It’s important to track down small leaks as they occur when maintaining water supply and drain lines in pre-war buildings. It makes good sense to be pro-active before inevitable problems occur. The process is simply called “pipe marking” and the investment of time required in labeling the pipes now will save time and money in the future. 

In cases where there are no drawings, applying color coding labels simplifies and speeds water pipe and shut-off valve identification. The ANSI/ASME code provides a standard set of colors for this purpose. In 2007, the ANSI/ASME A13.1 color standard was updated and is now recommended for identifying all pipes carrying water and other substances.

The current version of the ANSI/ASME code uses a pipe labeling standard color code chart with six standard color combinations, and four user-defined combinations. The colors are based on the contents of the pipe. In general, the most hazardous feature of the contents should determine the colors used. So for fire-quenching liquids, the color scheme is white text on red. For potable, cooling, boiler feed and other water the color scheme is white text on green.

In New York City some landlords have tried painting to color code their pipes. Unfortunately they made the mistake of choosing the wrong kind of paint for hot water pipes and cracking occurred. “Usually, the superintendent or the property manager places a hand-written tag on the pipes, and the tags fade with time,” explained Roberta Bernstein, Small Property Owners of New York. 

Now, with a thermal transfer printer, color coding water pipes is easy –  with non-fading, easily readable tags and labels that can withstand high boiler room temperatures. A Graphic Products, Inc. thermal transfer printer and DuraLabel pipe marking kit offers many benefits. 

1)      Printing is uncomplicated. You’ll also enjoy creating custom exit and entrance signs and electrical hazard signs.

2)      Unlike paint, pipe marking supplies remain bright and easy to see for years and can be cleaned with a simple solution.

3)      You can add symbols, arrows and other graphics in a variety of colors and widths from ½ to 9 inches.

4)      Reflective pipe markers are visible in low light and adhere to uneven or imperfect surfaces

5)      Clear plastic pipe marking sleeves enable users to identify dirty, oily, rusty pipes by providing a clean surface for the pipe marking label.

6)      Printing is cost effective. Labels printed in house tend to be less expensive than those ordered on-line or in a catalog.

ANSI code requires pipe markers: 

  • To indicate flow direction by labeling with arrows at one or both ends.
  • To be visible from the point of normal approach.
  • Near valves, flanges and changes in pipe direction.
  • Both sides of ceiling, wall or floor penetrations.
  • At any line entry or re-entry point.
  • On straight pipe runs.
  • Every 50 feet is typical.

Proper pipe marking can prevent disastrous leaks and other events. For more information, visit www.pipemarkers.com or contact Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com.

These are excellent suggestions for being able to understand what is going where through those pipes!  Thanks, Jack, for another very interesting article. pb

 

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Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TIPS ON TREATING COMMON INJURIES

 Sooner or later, someone at work or in your household will experience one or more of the injuries listed below.  We want to share these suggestions on what to do, what not to do, and when to seek medical attention.  Please keep these instructions where you can find them – inside your first aid kit would be good.  Hopefully, you may never need them, but just in case………… 

  • Bloody Nose:  When delicate blood vessels in the nose break, a nosebleed will follow.
  • Do: Lean slightly forward and pinch your nose just below the bridge, where the cartilage and the bone come together; maintain the pressure for 5 to 15 minutes.  An ice pack pressed against the bridge may also help.
  • Don’t: Tilt your head back.  You may swallow blood,  and potentially some could go into your lungs.
  • When to Seek Medical Attention: If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 20 minutes; if the nosebleed happened spontaneously; or if it accompanies a headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or vision problems.

 

  • Sprain: Sprains happen when the ligaments surrounding a joint are pulled beyond their normal range.  Sprains may also appear swollen and bruised.
  • Do: Alternately apply and remove ice every 20 minutes throughout the first day.  Wrapping the joint with elastic compression bandage and elevating the injury may help.  Stay off the injured limb at least 24 hours.  After that, apply heat to promote blood flow to the area.
  • Don’t: Work through the pain; you may risk more damage, like tearing the ligament.
  • Medical Attention: If the injury fails to improve in a few days, call a doctor – you may have a fracture or a muscle or ligament tear.

 

  • Burn: Third-degree burns result in broken or blackened skin.  Second-degree burns cause blisters, and first-degree burns produce redness.
  • DO: Place the burn under cool running water, submerge it in a bath, or apply wet towels. Loosely bandage a first-or second-degree burn for protection.
  • Don’t: Put an ice pack on major burns.  This may damage the skin and worsen the injury.  Also, don’t pop blisters, and don’t apply an antibiotic or butter to burns, because this can lead to infection.
  • Medical Attention: Call 911 for third-degree, electrical and chemical burns, or if the victim is coughing, has watery eyes, or trouble breathing.  Go to the ER for a second-degree burn that’s larger than your palm; treatment may prevent scarring.

 

  • Choking: When a person is really choking, he can’t cough strongly, speak, or breathe, and his face may turn red or blue.  (I have seen this happen, and it took the Heimlich maneuver to save this person.) 
  • Do: Call 911.  If it is an older person, have him/her lean forward, and using the palm of your hand, strike his back between the shoulder blades five times.  When that doesn’t work, stand behind the victim, place one fist above the belly button, cup the fist with your other hand, and push in and up toward the ribs five times, as in the Heimlich.  If you are alone, press your abdomen against something firm, like a kitchen counter, or use your hands.
  • Don’t: Give water or anything else to someone who is coughing.
  • Medical Attention: Always call 911 when it is true choking.  The universal sign for choking is when the victim wraps his hands around his throat to gesture that he is choking and needs help.

 

  • Open Wound: Cuts, scrapes or punctures need to be treated promptly to avoid infection.
  • Do: Place sterile gauze on the injury and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.  Wash minor cuts and scrapes with soap and water, and follow with a thin layer of Vaseline or an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
  • Don’t: Wash or apply ointment to a wound that is large, deep, or profusely bleeding.  Don’t try to remove an object protruding from the wound.
  • Medical Attention: Call 911, especially if there’s an object in the cut.  Call your doctor if the wound is deep, accompanied by a fever, or has redness, swelling or red streaks around it.

 

  • Poisoning: Cleaning supplies, carbon monoxide and pesticides are potential household and work hazards.  Also, some persons may be allergic to bee stings and insect bites. 
  • Do: Call 911 if the person is unconscious or having trouble breathing.  Otherwise, call the Poison Control Centers’ national hotline (800-222-1222).  Be ready to tell what substance was involved, how much was taken and when, and the age and weight of the victim.
  • Don’t: Wait for symptoms to appear to call for help.  Don’t give ipecac syrup or try to induce vomiting.  The poison could cause additional damage when it comes back up.  Don’t let the victim eat or drink anything unless the hotline operator tells you to do so.
  • Medical Attention: Always.

 

  • Blow to the Head:  Because the skull is very protective, hitting it rarely results in injuries to the skull itself.  However, if the force is great, the neck, back, and soft tissues inside the head can be injured.  (This is also a good time to remind those who work where something may get dropped on them, or they may run into the sides of things, nothing beats wearing a hardhat!)
  • Do: Call 911 if the person is unconscious.  Treat a bleeding struck area the same as any other cut, but follow up with your doctor, as there could be internal injuries.  Putting an ice pack on a small bump can help reduce the swelling.
  • Don’t: Leave the victim alone, especially when he’s sleeping.  Wake him/her up every three to four hours and have him answer simple questions to make sure there’s no brain injury, such as a concussion.
  • Medical Attention: Call 911 if the victim exhibits seizures, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, or obvious changes in behavior.

Again, let’s hope there won’t be a need for you to render this type of aid; but accidents happen, and it pays to be prepared.

 

Source: realsimple.com/injury

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

OUR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ARE READY, BUT ARE WE?

One never knows when an emergency will happen, and first aid is one of those things that we all hope we will never be called on to do, but should know in case of an accident.   From the business perspective, bringing a first aid trainer into the workplace can become part of a team-building exercise, as it encourages people to work together to learn for a common goal.  Staff can learn to identify dangerous situations before accidents happen.  This will have a significant impact on the bottom line – in terms of both human cost (lost time, Worker’s Comp claims, and administration time) and insurance and claims costs. 

Know-How (First Aid Precautions): 

1.      SAFETY is the first rule in first aid, (and common sense).  When assisting someone else do not become the second casualty.  Do not enter a burning building to rescue someone unless you are trained to do so, and if you do not swim, don’t enter deep water to rescue someone who is drowning.

2.      Avoid going beyond your training; make sure that you are not doing more harm than good. Leave the medical expertise to the Paramedics and Physicians.

3.      Stay away from medication unless the patient/casualty has their own medication prescribed by the doctor for the particular problem they are experiencing.

4.      Keep injuries to a minimum by knowing what to do when faced with an emergency – take a first aid or CPR course and learn how to save a life. 

It pays to keep first aid kits in your car, home, and at work.  Most workplaces have welll stocked first aid kits.  Kits should be full of supplies that are appropriate for location and planned activities.  It is a good idea for coaches of all sports for youngsters to keep a first aid kit at practice and games, and to know how to administer first aid.  Having an Automatic External Defibrillator, (AED) on site can be life-saving, from a sporting event to a church service.  One never knows when or where a heart attack can occur.  Check your first aid kit to see if it contains:

  •        Bandages
  •        Sterile gauze pads
  •        Alcohol pads
  •        Dressings
  •        Soap
  •        Saline
  •        Tweezers
  •        Disposable gloves
  •        Over the counter pain medications
  •        CPR pocket mask or face shield
  •        Aloe Vera gel
  •        Mixed sizes of safety pins.
  •        Sting relief
  •       Antibiotic ointment  

At work, be sure you know where the first aid kits are located and take a course in first aid if it is offered at your place of employment.  You never know when you may need it.  If you are going on a trip, it may be the most important thing you take with you.

Tomorrow, we will continue on this subject by discussing what to do when some of the most common accidents happen to us, either at work or home.  Please stay tuned……….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

TEN ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

10 Electrical Safety Tips

When many people think of electrical equipment the thought ‘hazard’ is soon to follow, but electrical safety is still neglected and should be observed more often.  It is important that we all understand the dangers of electrical equipment and maintain proper caution when using electrical items to avoid accidents. Here are some top tips to ensure you and your family remain safe around electrical items.

1.       Everyone should be in the habit of turning all electrical devices off when they are not in use, this includes, but not limited to kitchen appliances, gaming consoles, televisions and lighting. Before going to bed it is important to ensure that all electrical equipment is properly turned off at the power supply.

2.       People have a habit to overload sockets especially in homes where there are not enough sockets in place. When using adapters ensure that the total output does not exceed the specified rating. A power surge can occur causing power cuts and in some case fire.

3.       A residual current device will cut off power in the event of a power surge. This should be placed in sockets that are running a number of electrical items such as in the lounge where the television, DVD player etc. are in place.

4.       Pay attention to plugs, sockets and wires to ensure that they remain in good condition, if such problems occur then they will need to be replaced by an electrician qualified to do so.

5.       Never buy equipment that doesn’t not hold a CE Mark – this marking ensures that it has been tested and conforms to all safety recommendations.

6.       Never run cables through skirting, floorboards, carpet or door frames – this is for two reasons; a) you cannot asses the state of the wires b) if the wire needs to be removed this can result in unnecessary DIY jobs.

7.       Ensure that electrical wires are kept out of the way from heat. For example when using hair straighteners don’t let the wire overhang the appliance – this can melt the outer coating exposing dangerous wires.

8.       Be extremely careful with electrical equipment where it may become wet. Never leave an exposed light fitting in the bathroom. There are special light fittings made purposely for your bathroom to prevent moisture. Often we place the kettle right under the socket but the moisture from the steam can get into the socket. Place the kettle away from the socket or affix a socket protector.

9.       When using hot appliances such as irons or hair straighteners use a heat mat underneath, this will prevent the surface getting burned.

10.   Place socket protectors in all sockets around the home if you have or look after small children.

Bio

Jade Coleman graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism and Editorial Design in 2010, since then Jade has worked within the Marketing sector blogging about numerous electrical and safety equipment.

We thank Jade for reminding us how careful we should be when using any electrical appliances.  pb

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT MSHA INSPECTION? (GUEST POST)

Are You Ready for Your Next MSHA Inspection?

Free Mining Industry Webinar Lead by Martin Carter, Graphic Products, Inc.

 

Portland, OR – Graphic Products, Inc., a leading global industrial labeling systems manufacturer, will conduct a free mining webinar for safety, maintenance and operations managers on Wednesday, June 13 at 10 am, Pacific Time/1 pm, Eastern Time. To register,
“Incidents happen. MSHA inspections, violations, orders and safeguards change from inspector to inspector and region to region,” said Carter. “One of our goals is to help make safety communications as easy as possible to implement – particularly at remote sites. We are an offsite resource for all our mine sites providing technical assistance and we focus on making signage the easiest part of your job. We get calls all the time about pipe marking guides and arc flash regulations through NFPA70E. We will review all codes, contact MSHA for clarification, and provide technical advice including color-coded signs and labels to make applications readily available in some of the toughest conditions on the planet.” 

This complimentary webinar will show you proper visual safety awareness for site employees and visitors, security measures to improve identification and safety labeling best practices within the mining industry. 

Martin Carter has provided visual communication solutions to mining companies world-wide for more than eight years and has published articles in Canadian Mining, Aggregates Manager, Industry Week and other publications. As a strategist, he has worked directly with mine safety managers to customize and implement safety identification programs that comply with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) while improving visual communications and security. He also served as a training non-commissioned officer for U.S. Marine Corp Special Forces. 

With more than 50 unique labeling supplies providing the right label material for nearly every type of application including Arc Flash and Pipe Marking, Graphic Products, Inc. is equipped to solve problems in the industrial safety arena. Graphic Products manufactures a broad spectrum of industrial labeling systems for every application and provides free technical support and multi-year printer and supply warranties. 

Global mining customers include Barrick Gold Corporation, Rio Tinto and Newmont Mining Corporation. To register for this upcoming event, visit http://www.graphicproducts.com/webinar.

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General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

WHY YOU NEED A SECURITY DOOR (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Why You Need a Security Door

Remember the days you could leave your doors unlocked when you went to bed at night and not think twice? Unfortunately those days are long gone. More and more families are investing in alarm systems and security doors in order to protect their home, their family, and their possessions from forced entries and burglaries. Many burglars prefer to use the front door when executing a robbery, so it is important to add any elements of protection you can.  Installing a security door is an excellent way to ramp up your protection while avoiding the long-term monthly fees of an alarm system. Though it may seem simple, a heavy duty security door may be enough to cause prospective robbers to pass on your home in search of an easier target. Security doors are an excellent, low cost preventative measure that provides a great deal of benefits to your home.

Types of Doors

Doors come in a variety of different styles, with options for every budget. Steel doors can be purchased with single or double panes. You can choose to have a single lock or multiple locks. The thickness of the door varies as well, the highest typically being 50mm. Anywhere from four to eight hinges support the door itself, which come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Benefits

  • Nearly Impossible to Break into

The obvious benefit of security doors is the protection it provides. A robber would have to use a sophisticated machine of some sort to open the locks on a steel door. In fact, most doors are actually drill-proof, and special devices are required to open them. Fortunately most burglars are not going to want to draw attention to themselves by attempting to open your steel door.

  • Fireproof

The material used on most security doors makes them resistant to fire. Many security doors are made from galvanized iron or galvanized steel. If galvanized metal burns at all, it will burn very slowly. For this reason, people sometimes place steel doors inside the house to prevent fire from spreading quickly.

  • Energy Efficient

A main benefit of security doors that people often overlook is their ability to reduce your energy bills. During hot months, security doors can be bolted while the main door is left open, allowing a cool breeze to circulate through the house. In winter, the extra layer of steel helps insulate the doorway from chilly wind.

  • Allows Increased Light

Closing the security door but leaving the main door open allows more light to enter the home. This can brighten up the appearance of a space, make it look larger, as well as improve the temperament of those in the home.

  • Tough and Long Lasting

Steel doors are extremely durable, and are not prone to cracks or other imperfections that result from misuse, pressure, or harsh weather conditions.

  • Visually Appealing

Despite the common opinion, security doors actually add to the curb appeal of your home. They  are now manufactured in a vast array of designs and colors to complement any home décor. They provide a polished look to the exterior of your home, while simultaneously increasing your property’s value.

  • Ease of Access

The bottom part of the door frame is welded low so wheelchairs and other wheeled devices can pass through the doorway easily. You also don’t have to worry about young children or pets injuring themselves on the door because they are welded low.

Security doors are an excellent investment. They deter potential intruders, improve the appearance of your home, and are virtually indestructible.  Even those who already have a home security  system will benefit from the many attributes a steel door provides to your property.

 

 

General Safety Issues

ARE TRAMPOLINES A SAFE ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN? (GUEST POST)

Are trampolines really a safe activity for children? (By Jonathan Rosenfeld)

When used responsibly, trampolines can provide a lot of entertainment but the rate of injury among minors is staggering. In a study performed in the early 2000s, over 82% of trampoline injuries involved children under the age of 18, signaling the need to evaluate what measures we take to prevent a trampoline injury. Trampoline  injury rates may be on the decline when they are used under proper supervision, but there is still a significant risk of injury that is most prevalent for children near the age of 10.

The areas usually affected by trampoline injury are:

  • The legs, ankles or feet
  • Arms, wrists or hands
  • Knees
  • Head
  • Spine

More injuries to the lower body occur on trampolines than anywhere else on the body, with a reported 42% of injuries occurring on the lower body as opposed to the chest, arms, head or neck. The severity of injury that each person in the study suffered was alarming as well. 83% of the injuries reported involved some form of fracture which required emergency care.

About 14% of injuries on trampolines involve lacerations that require medical attention. These injuries usually occur when a person lands on his or her head. Knee and elbow scrapes are common if the trampoline is used improperly, but do not pose as great a threat as injuries to the face or neck. The severity of lacerations that occur as a result of trampoline injuries varies greatly depending on how the injury was sustained. Most of these injuries involve some form of stunt or jumping on a trampoline with another person.

The risk of spinal cord injury on trampoline related activities is over 8% on full sized trampolines compared to less than 3% on mini trampolines. Trampoline parks in the Chicago have recently become a popular recreational activity for children of all ages.  While the ‘parks’ have reported fewer injuries than anticipated, the biggest factor for their improved safety record is that  these facilities require children to use the trampoline independently as opposed to in a group. This simple— yet very effective safety measure– should be taken into consideration when allowing your children to play in a trampoline in a backyard setting in order to reduce the risk of serious injury.

In order to effectively reduce spinal cord injury on trampolines, children should be prohibited from attempting stunts such as flips and back flips. Many injuries occur as the direct result of a stunt gone badly as well as by sharing the trampoline with another person. In general, adults exercise more personal caution and therefore, suffer less injury. More supervision and awareness will help reduce the number of accidents that occur that involve children.

Hopefully the safety measures implemented at trampoline parks in the Chicagoland will serve as a reminder that both homeowners and facilities must be vigilant when it comes to trampoline safety.  The safety measures really do work! When the trampoline park opened in Carol Stream, IL there were over three ambulance calls each month due to a trampoline park injury. When it was announced that another park was to be opened in a nearby suburb residents were extremely concerned due to the high rate of injury that was reported from the sister facility. However, by implementing new rules such as only allowing one person on a trampoline at a time, injury rates fell dramatically in both locations.

Even though incident rates have gone down substantially, you must exercise care when allowing your children to play in a trampoline park and in home-based settings. Prevent trampoline accidents by telling your children ahead of time what to avoid and be sure to follow all of the rules for the trampoline before they get on the platform. Further, while it is true that safety measures can reduce the rate of trampolines injuries on trampolines, parents can never let their guard down when the risk of serious injury is present.

About Jonathan Rosenfeld

Jonathan Rosenfeld is the founder of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, and has a law practice devoted to representing children and adults who have been harmed due to the negligence of others. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
33 North Dearborn Street, #1930
Chicago, IL 60602
(888) 424-5757

Our thanks to Jonathan for this insight into the do’s and don’ts of playing on trampolines.  It’s best to not get too fancy with stunts until there’s someone who can give instructions on the proper methods.  Play it safe, and have fun. pb