The ACCC and Kidsafe are warning parents of the potentially deadly consequences to children of toppling televisions and furniture tip-overs.

June 25, 2018

Parents are being warned of the deadly consequences of poorly secured and unstable furniture to children, with the consumer watchdog urging people to check their homes.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Kidsafe have launched an awareness campaign after a study found the risk of injuries and death from television and furniture tip-overs had become a significant issue in recent years.

Since 2001, 22 children under the age of nine have been killed by top-heavy bookcases, drawers, wardrobes and electrical goods, with children under the age of three at greatest risk.

Kidsafe Victoria chief executive Melanie Courtney says children’s curiosity and their lack of awareness of danger puts them at increased risk of injury from toppling televisions and furniture.

“Children are naturally inquisitive and common household furniture can look very different and interesting from a toddler’s perspective – for example, they may see items of furniture like bookcases and shelves as a ladder,” Ms Courtney said in a statement on Monday.

Royal Children’s Hospital trauma services director Professor Warwick Teague said falling furniture can trap and crush a child causing life-threatening injuries or death.

“Common injuries from television and furniture tip-over incidents result from significant blunt force trauma and include broken bones, brain injuries, crushed chest cavities and even death by asphyxiation,” Dr Teague said.

ACCC acting-chairwoman Delia Rickard said tip-over accidents happen quickly and it’s important furniture is anchored securely.

“We strongly encourage parents and carers to check every room in their home for toppling hazards and anchor any tall or unstable furniture or large televisions,” Ms Rickard said.

“If you don’t have anchor kits, you can buy them cheaply at hardware stores or furniture retail outlets.”

Ms Rickard said that the ACCC was working with retailers to increase awareness about the dangers posed by unstable furniture and ensure they included appropriate anchoring devices and warnings with their products.