The U.S. Government Is Cracking Down… On Household Furniture

About once every half hour, a falling television or a piece of tipped furniture sends an injured child to the emergency room. Such incidents lead to a child’s death about three times per month. It is with such tragic statistics in mind that the U.S. government, through its Consumer Product Safety Commission, has initiated Anchor It! – a campaign to raise awareness about the perils of unsecured furniture. Its ultimate aim is to convince parents (and, really, everyone) to bolt their furniture to their walls.

The problem is not merely a matter of child safety – it’s about everyone’s safety. According to Claims Journal, tens of thousands of adults are injured in falling furniture accidents each year. Since 2000, there have been more than 500 related deaths. What this underscores is the unfortunate fact that many of us are oblivious to the dangers present in our own homes.

Who’s at fault?

In some cases these incidents are purely accidental. At other times, the manufacturer of a certain good may be at fault for the injuries caused. Ikea, for example, was compelled to recall more than 17 million chests and dressers after their toppling led to the deaths of eight children.

A company called ASTM International has developed safety standards that most American manufacturers follow. They mandate that dressers, for example, be able to pass two stability tests. Namely, a dresser must not tip over when all its drawers are opened (and for no other reason); and it must not tip over when a 50-pound weight (the weight of an average five-year-old) is gradually applied to the front drawer.

Yet compliance with such standards is voluntary. Businesses are not legally bound to follow them. It’s in their interests to do so – fewer injuries will lead to fewer lawsuits – but such standards have yet to be codified into law.

What can be done?

The government is working hard to promote awareness of the dangers posed by home goods. Meantime, injured individuals and parents of injured children can turn to the legal system if the injuries might have been prevented by the manufacturer. Specifically, victims may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for their medical bills and related concerns.

For the uninjured, it is important to take precautions. Anchor unsecured furniture to your walls and, in so doing, stay safe.