U.S. study says computer injuries at home are on the increase

Injuries involving computers are on the rise, particularly at home, and children under five have the highest injury rate of all age groups, according to a U.S. study released Tuesday.

Researchers who studied emergency room data across the U.S. discovered a 732 per cent increase in what they called "acute computer-related injuries" from 1994 to 2006, more than double the 309 per cent increase in household computer ownership over the same period.

The study, published in the July issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, said the most common causes of injuries were hitting against or catching on computer equipment, tripping or falling over computer equipment, computer equipment falling on a person, and the straining of muscles or joints. The piece of computer equipment most often associated with injuries was the monitor.

According to the study, which looked at more than 78,000 cases of computer injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments over the 13-year period, about 93 per cent of injuries occurred at home.

The most common injuries were lacerations, contusions and abrasions and more than half of all injuries were to the extremities.

The study said there are "potential hazards in navigating a home that contains computers" and this is especially true for children. It said the hazards of computers are similar to those of television sets, which have been known to fall on children and cause head injuries.

According to the study, the most common cause of injury for children under five and for adults older than 60 was tripping or falling over computer equipment. While injuries to the extremities were most common of all injuries, children under 10 most often had injuries to the head.

Sharp corners, rough edges

"Early exposure to computers has benefits for cognitive development and school readiness," the study reads. "Computers areas may seem appealing to young children as places to explore and play."

However, the study also found that children were at particular risk for having computer-related injuries.

"Although there are software and computer stations made specifically for children, most computers and computer furniture in the home are not designed for children. Computer casings often have sharp corners or rough edges, wires and cords can be electrical and tripping hazards, and computer desks and chairs are too big for small children, providing ample opportunity for falls."

The researchers from the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and the Ohio State University College of Medicine, also in Columbus, said more studies on the issue are needed as computers become "more intertwined" in everyday lives.

"Given the large increase in acute computer-related injuries over the study period, greater efforts are needed to prevent such injuries, especially among young children," study author Lara McKenzie said in a release.