Unsafe furniture

Several features can make furniture unsafe, especially for infants and children.

These features include:

• tall items such as bookcases and chests of draws that are not secured to the wall and can fall when children grab it or climb up on it
• low items, like TV cabinets with a base that is too small to bear the weight, depth or width a large TV – children can upset the stability of these cabinets or pull the TV down onto themselves
• glass tables that are not made from toughened glass and can cause serious cuts or stabbing if broken by a playing child
• furniture with rough and sharp edges that can cause cuts and splinters.

Hazards

Injuries caused by falling furniture

•  Fractures, head injuries, and in the worst cases death if an infant is crushed by unstable furniture or appliances that topple over.

Cuts and lacerations

• Cuts and lacerations from sharp edges and unsafe glass.
• Eye injuries, fractures, cuts and sprains resulting from falls or collisions involving tables, chairs and stools.

Ensuring safety

All it takes is the weight of a small child climbing on furniture and it could easily topple over or break. Sharp edges can cause lacerations and splinters. Any glass that is not toughened is dangerous to have near playing children.

To prevent injuries:

• choose safer furniture – see tips below
• secure unstable furniture to the wall
• stop infants from climbing on or grabbing furniture.