First Coast News Story about Paintball Safety 1/6/2004
 

One of the most common "first questions" about paintball is "Is it safe?". Well, outside of an occasional bruise I have never been injured. I've seen 10-year-olds, teenage girls, and adults of all shapes, sizes, gender, and ages playing and having a wonderful time, and without injury. But, if you need some "numbers" to help in your decision to play paintball: (Injury is defined as one which results in some degree of permanent impairment, or renders the injured person unable to effectively perform his regular duties or activities for at least one full day beyond the day of the injury.)   Driving a car 26.00 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Being on a street 33.00 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Being at work 61.00 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Being at home 93.00 yearly injuries per 1000 participants -Source: National Safety Council.   Paintball 0.31 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Bowling 0.50 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Archery 0.66 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Boating 0.92 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Tennis 1.09 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Golf 1.13 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Swimming 1.30 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Fishing 1.37 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Water Skiing 1.90 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Handball 2.42 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Racquetball 2.53 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Ice Skating 2.79 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Snowmobiling 2.86 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Snow Skiing 3.44 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Volleyball 4.43 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Gymnastics 7.13 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Soccer 10.54 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Bicycle Riding 11.30 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Boxing 11.34 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Hockey 12.46 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Basketball 22.04 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Rugby 23.14 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Wrestling 27.37 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Football 27.50 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Baseball 27.67 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Lacrosse 223.79 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Running 0-19 miles per week 294.00 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Running 20-29 miles per week 384.00 yearly injuries per 1000 participants Running 30-39 miles per week 461.00 yearly injuries per 1000 participants - Source: Control Systems Inc., administrator of paintball game accident insurance plan for air gun game operators.