How to Prevent Common Trampoline Injuries?

Trampolines are synonymous with summer fun, fitness, and family joy. However, it’s essential to know that without proper safety practices, they can also cause injuries.

What Are the Most Common Types of Injury on a Trampoline—and How Can You Prevent Them?

This post explores the most common trampoline injuries, what typically causes them, and how you can protect your loved ones with practical, easy-to-follow steps.

🔍 1. What Types of Injuries Happen Most Often?

Trampoline-related injuries range from minor bumps to serious fractures, with thousands requiring hospital visits every year. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones:

a) Sprains & Strains

Ankles, knees, wrists are most often affected during awkward landings or slips.
One study found sprains account for ~58% of injuries in adults aged 31–62 (legaljobs.io, childsafetylink.ca).

b) Fractures

Upper limb fractures, particularly radial and ulnar, commonly occur when children fall on outstretched hands (mayoclinic.org).
Lower limb fractures, including tibia breaks, also happen—especially among younger children (happyhideouts.co.uk).
Around 34–50% of trampoline injuries involve the lower extremities; 24–36% the upper extremities (happyhideouts.co.uk).

c) Head, Neck & Spinal Injuries

These are less frequent (10–17%) but can be severe—especially from flips, collisions, or falls (happyhideouts.co.uk).
CAUTION: A single misjudged movement may result in concussion, paralysis, or fatality (parents.com).

d) Cuts, Bruises & Contusions

Soft-tissue injuries are common on the springs, frame edges, or through collisions (shawcowart.com).

e) Severe & Paralysing Injuries

Although rare, neck injuries from flips can lead to paralysis.

📈 2. Why Do These Injuries Happen?

Understanding the causes helps target prevention:

1. Multiple Users at Once

About 75–83% of injuries occur with two or more jumpers (orthoinfo.aaos.org, childsafetylink.ca).
A larger jumper’s bounce can catastrophically hurt a smaller child (dillerlaw.com).

2. High-Risk Behaviours

Flips and somersaults are linked to neck and spinal trauma (southshoreorthopedics.com).
Roughhousing or jumping off also leads to fractures and sprains (sorokalegal.com).

3. Poor Landing & Collisions

Landing on springs, frame, or ground causes sprains and lacerations (orthoinfo.aaos.org).
Even non-jumpers can be injured by bounceoffs .

4. Falls Off the Trampoline

Nets reduce but don’t eliminate fall injuries; many injuries still happen on the mat (orthoinfo.aaos.org).

5. User Age & Supervision

Kids under 6 are especially at risk—representing 22–37% of visits (happyhideouts.co.uk).
Lack of adult oversight doubles or triples risk (self.com).

🚑 3. Real-Life Consequences

A Mayo Clinic review shows 800,000+ U.S. children injured (2009–18), most at home (mayoclinic.org).
Up to 30% require surgery—often for humerus fractures (mayoclinic.org).
Tragically, severed necks from flips can cause paralysis—recent reports include a teen left paralyzed (thesun.co.uk).

✅ 4. How to Prevent These Injuries

Safety isn't rocket science—it's simple, but effective. Here's how to keep the fun without the risks:

1. One Jumper at a Time

A key rule—reduces collisions, bounce-over. Many injuries vanish with this rule (parents.com).

2. No Flips or High-Risk Moves

Avoid somersaults—their link to neck injuries is well-documented .

3. Strict Supervision

Adults must stay near to enforce rules and stop risky behavior (sorokalegal.com).

4. Suitability by Age

Children under 6 should not jump; focus on older users only (healthychildren.org).

5. Proper Equipment

Safety nets, thick pads, spring covers essential (en.wikipedia.org).
Remove ladders when unused to prevent unsupervised access (rospa.com).

6. Safe Placement & Regular Inspection

Set trampolines on flat ground with 2 m clearance (rospa.com).
Check for wear monthly—pads tearing, springs rusting, net holes (southshoreorthopedics.com).

7. Weather Awareness

Don’t bounce when wet or during high winds—which increase slip/fall risk and damage nets (healthcare.utah.edu).

8. Encourage Safe Jumping Zones

Use the centre of the mat, as edges are more injury-prone (childsafetylink.ca).

9. Use Grip Socks or Shoes

Non-slip trampoline socks help avoid slipping on damp mats (en.wikipedia.org).

10. Know Emergency Protocols

For serious head or neck trauma, do not move the person—seek urgent medical assistance .

🛍 5. Choosing a Safer Trampoline

Investing in the right trampoline can pay huge dividends in safety:

Feature	Why It Matters
Safety padding	Covers springs + frames to reduce impact wounds (rospa.com)
Safety net enclosure	Helps prevent fall-off injuries
Springless models	Eliminate pinch & spring impact injuries
UV-resistant mat/padding	Longer-lasting, safer surfaces
Ladder & anchor kit	Prevents unsupervised access & improves stability

🧩 6. Best Practices: A Safety Checklist

One person at a time—enforce with rules or timers
Avoid stunts—no flips, rough games, or mid-air tricks
Supervise at all times, especially with kids
Age limit—no jumping for under-6s
Regular inspection of nets, springs, pads
Ensure proper footwear—non-slip socks
Safe setup—flat, clear area and anchored properly
Weather watch—avoid wet/slippery surfaces
Emergency readiness—know what to do in serious injury
Educate your family—post rules visibly

🌟 7. Why It’s Worth It

Following these guidelines transforms your backyard trampoline into a safe, healthy, and joyous addition to family life:

Reduced injury risk—most accidents are preventable
Peace of mind—you can laugh, bounce, and watch with confidence
Healthy activity—good for hearts, muscles, balance, and mood
Longevity—your trampoline lasts longer with proper care

📋 8. Summary Table

Injury Type	Cause	Prevention Tip
Sprains/Strains	Mislanding, collisions	One jumper, supervision, padding
Fractures	Falls, edge landings, flips	Age limit, no flips, centre bouncing
Head/Neck Trauma	Stunts, mat collisions	Ban flips, adult supervision
Cuts/Bruises	Frame or spring contact	Coverings, springless models
Falls Off	No/poor net, wet mat, misstep	Secure nets, inspect, anchor, no wet use

✅ Final Words

Trampolines can be safe and incredibly fun—as long as you take precautions.

By understanding common injury types—sprains, fractures, head/neck trauma—and how they happen, you can prevent them with simple rules: limit users to one at a time, avoid risky manoeuvres, supervise closely, and equip your trampoline properly.

At TrampolinesIreland.com, we supply top-quality trampolines from brands like BERG, Springfree, and Vuly—built with superior safety features like thick padding and advanced nets. We can also help you choose age-appropriate models, accessories like springless frames and ladder removal kits, and review safe-use guides tailored to Irish backyards.

Ready for safe bouncing this summer? Get in touch for personal advice, look at our bestsellers, or learn more about keeping your loved ones protected while they leap.

Stay safe, stay active, and enjoy every bounce with confidence.