Kids Can Be Injured, Killed in TV and Appliance Tip-Over Accidents, CPSC Warns

Since 2006, more than 16,000 children in the United States age 5 and younger have been treated in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries suffered in accidents involving falling televisions, furniture, and household appliances, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

From 2000 to 2006, there were 134 tip-over related deaths in the U.S., and since January 2007, the CPSC said there have been at least 30 media reports of tip-over deaths in children.

In an effort to reduce these tragic accidents, the CPSC has issued a public alert to urge parents to be more vigilant to protect children from death and serious injuries.

“Many parents are unaware of the deadly danger of this hidden hazard. I urge parents to include securing TVs, furniture, and appliances in their childproofing efforts,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Taking a few moments now can prevent a tip-over tragedy later.”

Top-Heavy TV Stands Can Topple Over

Most tip-over accidents occur when a child climbs on or falls against television stands, bookcases, dressers, appliances, and other items in the home. A television perched on top of a dresser or other furniture can easily be toppled by a toddler who tries to climb up the furniture to reach the TV, the CPSC said. Children can be crushed, pinned, severely injured, or killed by the weight of a falling TV or piece of furniture.

“The most devastating injuries that we see resulting from furniture tipping on children are injuries to the brain and when a child is trapped under a heavy piece of furniture and suffocates,” said Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, Director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Tip-Over Accident Safety Tips

The CPSC offers the following safety tips to help prevent tip-over hazards:

• Furniture should be stable on its own. For added security, anchor chests or dressers, TV stands, bookcases and entertainment units to the floor or attach them to a wall.

• Place TVs on a sturdy, low-rise base. Avoid flimsy shelves.

• Push the TV as far back as possible.

• Place electrical cords out of a child’s reach, and teach kids not to play with them.

• Keep remote controls and other attractive items off the TV stand so kids won’t be tempted to grab for them and risk knocking the TV over.

• Make sure free-standing ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.

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