Trampoline parks under scrutiny as accidents rise

WorkSafe inspectors have started visiting trampoline parks after a spike in related injuries.

The rise began in 2014, after the rapid expansion of the commercial trampoline park industry.

New Plymouth resident Dianna Marsh experienced firsthand just how easily a child can be injured on a tramp. Her 14-year-old son Samuel broke both bones in his lower leg in an accident at Mega Bounce in New Plymouth in July.

‘‘Not only did he get hurt, but in the bed next to him in hospital was a younger boy that had a serious injury to the leg caused the day before at the very same place,’’ she said.

The increase in injuries is reflected in ACC claims: in 2012 there were 6934 totalling $2.5 million, which had risen to 10,814 claims totalling $4.4m in 2015.

WorkSafe estimates there are 33 trampoline parks operating in New Zealand, with five more planned.

Spokesman Brett Murray said WorkSafe wanted to ensure businesses were meeting their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

‘‘We will be reminding the operators that they have a requirement to notify WorkSafe of health and safety-related incidents,’’ he said.

‘‘We will also be taking a closer look at the designers and installers of these parks to make sure they are all doing everything reasonably practicable to manage the risks for staff and users of the parks.’’ - Fairfax NZ