Flatscreens Falling on Kids

Yes watching television can be hazardous to your health. Today's lightweight screens are inherently unstable and have been known to cause many accidents. As the Examiner notes, "Between 2011 and 2013 more than 15,000 kids a year were treated for injuries involving TVs or TVs and furniture in the nation’s hospital emergency rooms." This number does not even include all the accidents involving adults. So how can this be avoided? Teaching your kids not to climb on furniture can reduce some injuries but that alone is not enough. The #1 reason why TVs fall is collision. Climbing is the second most common reason. In addition, accidentally pulling cables is often cited along with tipping hazards.

Another issue often not considered is how well secured wall TVs are. The average household contains numerous code violations from do-it-yourself armatures. Wall brackets must be properly secured in studs using the correct mounting brackets and recommended screws for the load. Not following this advice can cost you greatly. No home is ever 100 percent safe but one can never assume that the unlikelihood of an event occurring is just cause for ignoring known hazards.