The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has listed tipping
furniture as one of the top five hidden home hazards. As consumers continue to buy TVs
with larger screens, parents should be especially aware of the
risks they pose to small, curious toddlers.
“Furniture, TVs and ranges can tip over and crush young children when they
climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on TV stands,
bookcases, shelves, dressers, desks and chests,” said Claudia
Romo, Injury Prevention Program manager at Children’s
Medical Center.
Tipping furniture can cause injuries to the
arm, leg and head. In some cases, it can cause death. In a UT Southwestern Medical Center study, researchers
looked at 26 patients who had come to the Emergency Department at
Children’s for injuries caused by falling TVs.
Among their findings:
- 19 of 26 parents
reported their child was or may have been climbing on the furniture at
the time of injury; the remainder said the TV was pushed off by
someone else.
- Nine children were hospitalized; two were
admitted to the intensive care unit.
- Fourteen suffered
head injuries, and nine injured an arm or leg.
- TVs with 20-
to 30-inch screens made up two-thirds of the cases; TVs 19 inches
and smaller made up less than one-fifth of the cases; screens
between 30 and 40 inches made up the balance.
- 85 percent of
the TVs were placed between 2 feet and 5 feet off the
floor.
While the injuries cited in this study were not severe,
the potential for a severe injury exists. To avoid pediatric trauma
from falling furniture, follow these guidelines from the CPSC:
- Ensure furniture is stable. Anchor furniture to the
floor or attach it to studs in the wall.
- Free-standing
ranges and stoves should be installed with anti-tip
brackets.
- TVs should be placed on sturdy furniture appropriate for
the size of the television or on a low-rise base. Parents can take a
proactive approach by bolting their television stand and then
anchoring the television to the stand for added
security.
- Place the TV as far back as possible on its base.
- Ensure
that cords are out of reach for children.
- Remove items
that might tempt kids to climb on top of the TV, such as toys,
remote controls or DVDs.
- Avoid TV stands with drawers, as
these can serve as steps for the child to climb. If you do have a
stand with drawers, think about using cabinet/drawer locks for added
safety.
You can learn more ways to prevent injuries
and protect your children on the Children's Web
site.
