Treadmill placement, precautions key to avoiding injuries

A home treadmill is a popular option for those trying to lose weight, but thousands of people end up in the emergency room each year because of one.

About 22,000 people end up in the emergency room each year with injuries from treadmill accidents, many of those with head injuries. In some cases people, including children, actually died as a result of treadmills.

A 5-year-old boy died in his Pennsylvania home last September after getting pulled underneath a treadmill by the moving belt.

In 2009, a 4-year-old girl died while playing on a treadmill and getting her head caught in the cord.

“People don’t really understand how dangerous this moving belt can be,” said Consumer Reports treadmill expert Peter Anzalone.

Consumer Reports said safety starts with where the machine is placed inside a home.

“It’s not a good idea to position a treadmill right up against a wall. If you fall and the treadmill belt continues to turn, you’ll get wedged in between the wall and the treadmill,” Anzalone said. “What you need to do is keep a couple of feet on either side of the treadmill and then at least six feet behind it so, if you do fall, there’s a space for you to escape.”

Kids should never be allowed to play near a treadmill, even when an adult is on it. The best protection is the safety key, as a treadmill won’t run without it.

“If you don’t want your kids to get hurt around a treadmill, take the safety key out and put it somewhere where they can’t find it,” Anzalone said.

Adults should also think about their own safety while using a treadmill. Straddle the belt until it starts, to avoid getting knocked off your feet. Adults should also keep their heads up while moving, because looking down at your feet can throw you off balance. When you’re done, wait until the belt completely stops before stepping off.

To keep the treadmill running safely, follow the recommended maintenance, especially making sure the deck under the running belt is lubricated.