Falling Furniture, TVs Cause 30 Deaths Annually

September 30, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on October 2008 In a new report Wednesday, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission states that 180 Americans were killed by falling furniture, TVs and appliances during a six-year period. About 80 percent of those cases involve children under 10, most frequently involving televisions or televisions in combination with furniture as children climb on or pull themselves up on heavily laden TV stands, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and other furniture or appliances.

To prevent tip-over hazards, the CPSC recommends that residents verify that furniture items are stable and, for added security, anchor items such as TV stands to a wall using appropriate brackets or screws. To avoid temptations, don’t put toys or remote controls on top of TVs or furniture that kids might try to climb. Also, push the TV as far back as possible from the front of its stand to prevent tipping.