Bounce Houses Injuries Have Risen Having Law Makers To Ask Why As They Become More Popular At Children’s Birthday Parties, Family Picnics, And Local Fairs
Last year, bouncy house injuries saw new awareness when a bouncy house was swept away by a large gust of wind in New York. The inflatable house rose about 20 feet in the air and injured two boys playing inside the house. According to the accident report, the house was not properly secured to the ground. Another bouncy house accident in Colorado saw a bouncy slide thrown about 300 feet in a gust of wind. The children playing on this inflatable were thankfully unhurt.
Caregivers and lawmakers alike want to know what is behind the sudden spike in injury rate. This question has promopted several news outlets and safety administrations to start their own investigations into the rise in bounce house injuries. These reports have turned up facts that the lack of regulation and increase in the number of bounce house users have contributed to the rise in injuries.
It isn’t just coincidence that reports of bounce house injuries are more prevalent. A study conducted by a hospital in Ohio found that between 1995 and 2010, the rate of bounce house injuries climbed over 1,500 percent. Between 2008 and 2010, the rate of injuries doubled.
According to an investigation on bounce house injuries by CNN, there are three things caregivers can do to prevent dangerous bounce house injuries as outline below.
How To Prevent Bounce House Injuries
Weather
Rough weather is far more likely to cause a bounce-house related injury than a calm day. Bouncy house manufacturers advice the inflatables to be taken down if winds reach about 20 miles her hour. According to the CNN report, this amount of wind will whip clothing while worn outdoors.
WorkersÂ
Knowledgeable workers are essential to the safety of children using bounce houses. Workers should be trained in safety techniques and use metal stakes that are about 30 inches long when anchoring the houses outdoors. Operators should always be present at each inflatable to prevent unsafe jumping.
WarrantyÂ
CNN suggests that caregivers ask bounce house operators for recent state inspections and their insurance policy. In Ohio, bounce house operators are required to have a permit for operation, proof of liability insurance, a current repair and inspection report, and have rules on the size and number of children that can use the bounce house at a time. Operators must be at least 16 years of age and remain with the house at all times.
The CNN report suggested that not only are bounce house injuries on the rise because of unsafe practices, but also because there are more opportunities for children to use them.
Caregivers can keep children safest by following the three “Ws” of safety and ensuring children follow the rules while jumping, such as not pushing other children, bouncing only with their feet, bouncing with children of the same size, and obey the rules of each inflatable.
With a little extra care, parents and caregivers can ensure children are not injured in dangerous bouncy house injuries this summer. By requesting permits, watching out for equipment safety, and paying attention to weather, most bounce house injuries can be prevented.
Contact:
Wright & Schulte LLC
865 S. Dixie Dr.
Vandalia, Ohio 45377
1-800-399-0795