A report recently published by the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals that unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among Canadian children aged one to 19 and are the third leading cause of hospital visits.

Many of these injuries are caused by car accidents; however, many are also caused by common household and play items, such as playground equipment, bicycles, skateboards, trampolines and furniture.

It’s important that parents and caregivers remember to enforce basic safety messages such as always wearing properly-fitted helmets when cycling, skateboarding or rollerblading and following water-safety rules around pools, lakes and rivers.

As trampolines become increasingly common in backyards across Canada, so do the injuries associated with them.

Following some basic safety advice goes a long way in helping to prevent potentially serious injuries.

o Carefully read and follow assembly instructions

o Provide supervision, even when safety nets are being used

o Ensure that your trampoline meets current international safety regulations

o Set up your trampoline on level-ground, away from structures, and surround with sand or loose fill

o Don’t allow a child younger than six years of age to use the trampoline

o Don’t allow more than one child to use the trampoline at the same time

o Don’t wear clothes or jewellery that could catch

o Don’t attempt somersaults or flips without the supervision of a certified trampoline instructor

Keeping children safe is every parent’s first priority.

For more information on consumer product safety and injury prevention, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.publichealth.gc.ca to access the Child and Youth Injury in Review 2009 Edition — Spotlight on Consumer Product Safety.