Study notes growth in computer-related accidents

Computer-related injuries are on the rise

The number of accidents related to computer mishaps has risen steadily in recent years, according to a new report.

A study conducted by the Ohio State University College of Medicine found that more than 78,000 Americans were sent to the emergency room for computer-related injuries between 1994 and 2006.

Researchers noted that the increase in accidents is more than double the rate with which computers have been adopted over the same period of time. The most common cause of injuries included tripping over equipment, accidentally hitting equipment, and being hit by falling devices.

Children under five were the most common victims, and accidents at home were far more common than those in the workplace, accounting for 93 per cent of all cases.

"Future research on acute computer-related injuries is needed as this ubiquitous product becomes more intertwined in our everyday lives," said Dr Lara B McKenzie of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy.

"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."

In at least one area, however, accidents were found to be going down. Researchers said that the adoption of LCD screens over much heavier CRT displays has led to a drop in the number of accidents attributed to monitors.