London, Dec 10: Safety campaigners in Britain have warned that booming sales of flat-screen televisions could cause a rise in accidents at home this Christmas.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the hi-tech models pose a much higher risk of toppling over on children than older versions.

Figures also reveal that about 7,500 youngsters are taken to hospital in the US each year after televisions tip over.

“From time to time, RoSPA believes it is important to raise awareness of the potential for accidents to happen before an injury trend emerges in the UK. In this instance, we have taken note of the findings of US research, which studied a huge number of furniture tip-over cases from an 18-year period,” The Telegraph quoted Errol Taylor, of RoSPA, as saying.

“Not only did the research find that the number of such injuries had increased, but that televisions were the most commonly-involved item of furniture,” Taylor added.

With flat-screen televisions becoming increasingly popular and many families likely to have a new set for Christmas, its being highlighted by the organization to talk about safety.

“We urge people to ensure that free-standing television sets cannot be easily pulled over by children and that wall-mounted sets are securely fixed to walls which are strong enough to hold them,” Taylor said.

To avoid accidents, RoSPA has recommended placing flat-screen televisions on a wide, stable, manufacturers'' base. In addition, tethering straps should run from the top of the back of the screen to a stable anchoring point, such as a wall-mounted bracket. (ANI)