Last month, the CPSC released the report, Tip-Over Injuries and Fatalities Associated with Televisions, Furniture, and Appliances. Tip-over injuries and deaths occur when children get hurt by falling furniture, usually when climbing or  playing near them. This can be due to a faulty furniture design, unstable surfaces, defective tip-over restraints, heavy objects on top of furniture, or multiple open drawers. The report found that from 2020 to 2022 there was an average of 17,800 emergency room (ED) treated injuries, and from January 2013 to July 2023 there were 217 reported fatalities associated with tip-over incidents. Of these, children suffered 7,800 (44%) injuries, disproportionally higher than the general population. Of the fatalities reported 155 (71%) involved children under age 18 years.

The report also found that among the estimated annual average number of ED-treated injuries involving children:

  • 2,400 (38%) involved a table;
  • 1,800 (28%) involved a chest, bureau, or dresser;
  • 1,000 (16%) involved shelving, a shelving unit, or a bookcase; and
  • 1,200 (18%) involved all other furniture (including cabinets and stands).

In a big win against these types of injures and death, Congress passed the STURDY Act (Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth) in 2022, requiring all furniture to meet more stringent stability standards. This law took effect on September 1, 2023, but any furniture bought before this date may still be a tip-over risk. Here are some tips to prevent these incidents:

  • When purchasing new clothing storage furniture, ask if the product complies with the new safety requirements (ASTM F2057-23) under the STURDY Act.
  • Anchor It! KID encourage caregivers to anchor all furniture to the wall, including furniture that is already in homes. The new standard requires new clothing storage furniture to include anchoring kits, and consumers should use the kits to prevent tragedy. For more information about the importance of, and how to use anchoring kits, visit anchorit.gov.
  • Report any furniture tip-over incidents to the CPSC at saferproducts.gov.

For up to date information and tips, follow KID at @kidsindanger on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok.