Home gyms, hidden hazards: Treadmills turn deadly for kids

SHAH ALAM - In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, many families turn to the convenience of home exercise equipment, with treadmills being a popular choice. However, a recent surge in accidents involving children and treadmills has brought to light the hidden dangers lurking in our homes, turning what should be a health investment into a potential hazard.

While treadmill accidents involving children are relatively rare, there have been reported incidents where children have been harmed or injured due to the use or presence of treadmills. It's important to note that these cases serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with exercise equipment at home, emphasising the need for caution and preventive measures. Here are several ways in which treadmills can be dangerous or fatal to kids:

1. Entanglement and Strangulation: One of the most significant dangers is the risk of entanglement. Loose clothing, shoelaces, or items such as toys can get caught in the moving parts of a treadmill, leading to entanglement. In some cases, this can result in strangulation or severe injuries.

2. Pinching and Crushing: Treadmills have various moving components, including the conveyor belt and motorised parts. Children might be tempted to touch or play with these moving parts, leading to pinching or crushing injuries. Fingers, hands, or other body parts can get trapped, causing significant harm.

3. Loss of Balance and Falls: Treadmills create a moving surface that can be challenging for children to navigate. Young kids may lack the coordination and balance required to stay on a moving treadmill, leading to falls. Falling onto or against the equipment can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe trauma.

4. Inclination Hazards: Some treadmills come with adjustable incline features. If a child plays near the treadmill and accidentally activates the incline function, it can lead to unexpected movement, potentially causing injuries or trapping the child.

5. Lack of Supervision: Children should never be left unsupervised around exercise equipment. In the absence of adult supervision, kids may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as playing on or around the treadmill, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

6. Improper Use: Children may imitate adults and attempt to use the treadmill themselves. The speed and power of the machine can be too much for a child to handle, leading to injuries or falls. Treadmills are not designed for use by young children.

7. Lack of Safety Features: Older or poorly maintained treadmills may lack essential safety features. For instance, a malfunctioning emergency stop button or a missing safety key can hinder the ability to quickly halt the machine in case of an emergency.

It was reported that over 2,000 children under the age of eight have been seriously injured by treadmills, and the alarming rise in child injuries has led to a popular fitness equipment manufacturer, Peloton, recalling the Tread and Tread after 72 children were seriously injured and one six-year-old girl was tragically killed by their treadmill.

A study highlighted the increasing number of injuries, with children being the most vulnerable group suffering from treadmill-related injuries, including friction burns, abrasions, blunt trauma, and even amputations, which often require surgical intervention.

To mitigate these risks, it's crucial for parents and caregivers to establish designated exercise areas inaccessible to children, keep treadmills unplugged and secure when not in use and store safety keys out of reach of children. It is also important to educate older children about the potential dangers and proper use of exercise equipment and supervise children closely whenever an exercise equipment is in operation.