Researchers at Kennesaw State University are undertaking a comprehensive investigation into preventable household injuries affecting children, seeking to develop and implement evidence-based safety interventions designed to make homes safer environments.

The university's SKYE Research Lab has launched an initiative focused on identifying root causes of household injuries and developing new approaches to prevention, according to reporting from the university. The project brings together faculty and student researchers to examine the epidemiology of childhood home accidents and design practical interventions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, household hazards claim the lives of young children at alarming rates each year. These preventable injuries span a range of causes, from poisonings and suffocations to falls, drowning, and injuries from unsecured objects—including firearms and ammunition.

The SKYE Lab's research methodology emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating findings from epidemiology, environmental health, psychology, and engineering to understand how design changes and behavioral interventions can reduce injury risk. The team is examining both physical environmental factors and social determinants that influence household safety outcomes.

The research has particular relevance to firearms and ammunition stored in homes, where unsecured access by children represents a significant preventable injury hazard. Studies have consistently shown that proper firearm storage—including locked storage of weapons and ammunition stored separately—substantially reduces unintentional and self-harm-related injuries among youth.

The lab's work aligns with broader public health initiatives calling for evidence-based home safety standards and education programs. Results from the research are expected to inform policy recommendations and practical guidance for families seeking to create safer home environments for children.

Sources: Kennesaw State University; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention