Is Your Household Furniture A Hazard?

​At home, safety should always be a top priority, especially when it comes to household furniture. Injuries caused by furniture accidents are more common than one would think, and they can happen to anyone, regardless of age. That’s why it’s important to regularly assess the safety of your furniture to minimize the risk of accidents, particularly tip-over hazards.

When buying furniture, it’s crucial to consider the stability and sturdiness of the pieces. Furniture items that have a wide and sturdy base are less likely to tip over, which is especially important for households with small children and elderly individuals. When arranging the furniture, heavier items should be placed on the lower shelves or bottom drawers of the furniture item to reduce the risk of tip-over.

Flatpack or self-assembly furniture is a popular option for many homeowners due to their affordability and convenience. However, it’s important to note that these types of furniture may come with a bracket or strap for securing the furniture to the wall. These brackets or straps are specifically included to prevent tip-over hazards, and it’s crucial to use them as directed.

Many households now mount their televisions on the wall to reduce the risk of accidents, but for those that still use a TV stand, it’s important to position the TV on a low unit and towards the back of the unit. Additionally, any electrical cables should be hidden away from small children to prevent them from being pulled or tripped over.

Finally, it’s important to keep any items that may be dangerous or harmful to small children out of reach and sight. Even if an item is out of reach, children may be tempted to climb on furniture that is at risk of tipping to obtain the item. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that all items that may be hazardous are properly stored and secured.