How a seemingly harmless piece of furniture can pose a threat in our homes is a sobering thought. Furniture tipping over and causing potentially fatal injury is, sadly, a very real issue that has affected families in recent years. Although tip-over awareness and safety standards are improving, the risk isn’t entirely eliminated. There is a way, however, to keep you and your loved ones safe, and this preventive measure is simpler than you think. Read on to learn how.
How it Happens
What happens behind furniture tip-overs is simple: when a piece of furniture is unstable and unsecured, even a small shift or force can cause it to tip over. While an earthquake is a definite threat, it's usually simple scenarios that cause most accidents at home:
- A toddler reaches for the remote control or a favorite toy on top of a dresser, pulling open drawers to use as a ladder.
- A child bumps into a top-heavy TV stand, causing the TV, perhaps even the stand itself, to fall.
- A grandma reaches for an item on an unsecured tall shelf and grabs the posts for support.
- A grandpa in a wheelchair bumps into a lightweight bookcase, with hardbound books and other heavy objects on the top shelves.
These incidents can result in serious injuries, even death, especially to young children. Although TVs, dressers, and bookshelves are the most common culprits, any unsecured item, particularly one that is top-heavy, can pose a potential risk.
Tip Over Statistics
If you find it hard to believe that furniture tip-overs are a real concern, the statistics and resources available show you otherwise:
From 2020 to 2022, U.S. hospital emergency departments treated an estimated annual average of 17,800 tip-over injuries related to furniture, TV, and appliances, according to a 2023 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In that same report, data shows that between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023, 217 fatalities were reported due to tip-over incidents, with a heartbreaking 71% involving children under 18. Older adults over 60 are also vulnerable, as they account for 24% of tip-over injuries from 2020 to 2022, and 26% of deaths between 2013 and 2023.
Moreover, the report shares that furniture was responsible for 82% of tip-over injuries annually between 2020 and 2022, with tables, furniture with drawers like a dresser or bureau, and shelving among the top hazards for children.
Resources
This fairly recent press release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) underscores the ongoing risk of furniture and TV tip-over accidents and provides reminders for families: CPSC Reminds Families to Tackle the Deadly Hazard of TV and Furniture Tip-Overs | CPSC.gov
The Consumer Reports article delves into the efforts being made to improve safety standards: STURDY Act to Prevent Tip-Overs Becomes Law - Consumer Reports
Ways to Prevent Furniture Tip-Over
Taking proactive steps is key to preventing furniture tip-overs at home. Here are a few, simple tips:
1. Use Anti-Tip Straps or Brackets
Secure furniture like dressers, bookshelves, and cabinets directly to the wall with anchor kits. They typically include two brackets, one for wall attachment, the other for the furniture, and a connecting strap made of heavy nylon or braided metal. Make sure the anchor kit matches the type of wall in your space.
2. Mount TVs on the Wall
Ideally, flat-screen TVs should be securely mounted on the wall. But if you use a TV stand or media console, make sure it's designed for the size and weight of your TV. Then, use furniture straps to secure it firmly.
NOTE: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a dedicated website to prevent TV and furniture tip-overs. Check it here: Anchor It
3. Distribute Weight on Shelves
Stow heavy items on the bottommost shelves and in the lowest drawers. You might think this is unnecessary if the furniture is already anchored to the wall. Even if it is, it's important to maintain a lower center of gravity to reduce stress on wall anchors, especially if this piece of furniture is heavily loaded and used often.
Plus, keeping heavy objects at the bottom minimizes the risk of strain or accident when reaching for them.
4. Keep Drawers Closed
Open drawers are like tempting little ladders for curious kids and a tripping hazard for adults and children alike.
Make it a habit to close drawers completely after you're done. Consider furniture with push-to-open or soft-closed drawer slides. They make it easier to shut drawers firmly with just a touch. For extra measure, lock the lower drawers or install drawer stops.
5. Choose Stable Furniture
When furnishing your home, choose pieces with a wider, lower-profile design, especially for furniture with drawers. Anchoring tall and narrow furniture, such as a bookcase, an armoire, or a tall dresser, to the wall is non-negotiable.
Although furniture anchors are key to tip-overs, furniture material is also a factor. Solid wood offers more stability than engineered wood. All the same, a solid wood piece needs to be secured.
6. Assemble Furniture as Instructed
When putting furniture together, follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. Skipping steps and improvising with missing parts may result in unstable furniture. Don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer if there are assembly issues.
If anti-tip brackets are included, make sure to install them. If they aren't, well, anti-tip kits are easily available online and most likely in the nearest hardware store.
7. Don't Place Tempting Items on High Surfaces
This is especially important for homeowners with kids. Avoid placing toys, remotes, snacks, or anything that might entice a child to climb on tall furniture, high shelves, or even the fridge. However, this can still happen by accident, which is why it's still more important to secure furniture to begin with.
8. Inspect Furniture Regularly
Make it a part of your routine to check anchored furniture regularly. For one reason or another, anti-tip straps and brackets can loosen, wear out, or shift. Catching any issue early on helps keep your home safe.
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At T.Y. Fine Furniture, we take your family's safety seriously. Please feel free to share any specific needs, and we'll work with you to ensure your piece is kid-friendly and functional.
Sources
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Product Instability or Tip-Over Injuries and Fatalities Associated with Television, Furniture, and Appliances: 2023 Report | CPSC.gov
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New study says furniture tipping over sends thousands of children to hospital each year
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Ahead of Sunday’s Game, CPSC Reminds Families to Tackle the Deadly Hazard of TV and Furniture Tip-Overs | CPSC.gov
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CPSC adopts new safety rules to prevent dresser tip-overs: NPR
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Furniture Tip-Overs: A Hidden Hazard in Your Home - Consumer Reports
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