Who knew that computers would prove to be a source of injury, both to adults and to children? That's what a new study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reports. The study examined the emergency room reports from 100 hospitals to try to determine how many ER visits occurred as a result of people being injured by computers. The results were surprising. 

Some of the highlights of the report include the following facts:

    * Computer injuries resulting in ER visits increased sevenfold between the years 1994 and 2006
    * The number of injuries surpassed the number of new computers in homes (732% versus 309%)
    * Males were more likely to injure themselves on computers and equipment than females
    * Computers falling on people happened more often than people falling or tripping on a computer
    * Moving a computer or a computer part was the most common mechanism of injury
    * Children under the age of five had the highest rates of computer-related injuries

What can you do to keep yourself and others around you from being injured in a computer-related accident? Here are some suggestions:

    * Keep computers away from the edges of desks
    * Ensure that computer desks are sturdy
    * Cover any sharp corners  of the desk with protective devices
    * Keep cords secured and out of reach
    * Cover electrical outlets not in use
    * Supervise small children when they are using the computer
    * Do not allow very small children to play around computers and computer equipment

Chances are, you have a computer (or more than one) in your home. Take the time to be sure that your computer and the surrounding area are safe.