The home office has become a popular way for workers to telecommute or run a small business.

Though convenient, a home office workspace can present serious safety hazards for families with young children.

The Home Safety Council offers these suggestions for keeping a home-office environment safe for small children:

¢ Only an adult should use office equipment.

¢ Unplug shredders and other office equipment when not in use.

¢ If a parent smokes in the home office space, he or she should use a large ashtray and empty it frequently. Keep matches, lighters and cigarettes out of children’s sight and reach. It is safest to keep these dangerous materials locked away.

¢ Place all thumb tacks, paper clips and other small objects that can become a choking hazard in a safe and secure place out of the reach of children.

¢ Keep power strips and electrical cords out of walkways and beyond children’s reach.

¢ Install safety covers on unused electrical outlets.

¢ Keep scissors, letter openers and all sharp office supplies away from the edges of the desk. Put these items in a drawer where children can’t access them.

¢ Place emergency numbers close by the telephone.