Retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair are still offering older dressers for sale, even though they pose a risk of tipping over, particularly for households with young children. According to recent findings from Consumer Reports, newly built dressers are meeting the stability requirements set by the new furniture safety standards implemented a year ago. However, out of 12 dressers tested, two older models failed the stability test, while the 10 newer ones passed.
These tests simulated scenarios where a child pulls out drawers, climbs on them, or hangs from them. The federal Sturdy Act mandates that unanchored dressers should remain upright for at least 10 seconds with a 60-pound weight hanging from an open, top drawer.
Although the new standards only apply to dressers built after September 1, 2023, retailers can continue selling older products, creating a concerning loophole. Crystal Ellis, a parent and advocate, expressed frustration, stating that retailers should have removed all older dressers from shelves, not just those that comply with the letter of the law.
One of the main challenges is that product listings and labels often do not indicate when the furniture was made, making it difficult for consumers to determine if a dresser complies with the updated rule. In response, Consumer Reports is urging retailers and online platforms to commit to a clear timeline for selling only dressers that pass the new and rigorous tip-over tests.
Dresser tip-overs have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities over the years. From January 2000 to April 2022, clothing storage unit tip-overs caused 234 deaths, with 199 of them being children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are 5,300 emergency room visits each year due to dresser tip-overs. To prevent accidents, the agency recommends anchoring furniture, including dressers, to walls.
Earlier this year, the CPSC announced a recall of millions of plastic furniture tip restraint kits due to the risk of the zip ties becoming brittle and breaking. In a separate incident, the agency and Dania Furniture recalled the Hayden Bookcase after an unanchored unit fell over, resulting in the death of a 4-year-old.
While Ikea has committed to ensuring its chests and dressers meet the new safety standards, there is still a lack of accountability among other major retailers. Consumer Reports is calling for decisive action to prioritize child safety and eliminate uncertainty in the marketplace. The public expects retailers and online platforms to take responsibility by selling only dressers that pass the rigorous tip-over tests.
FAQ Section:
1. Are retail giants still selling older dressers that pose a tipping over risk?
Yes, retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair are still offering older dressers for sale, even though they pose a risk of tipping over.
2. Do newly built dressers meet the stability requirements set by furniture safety standards?
According to Consumer Reports, newly built dressers are meeting the stability requirements set by the new furniture safety standards implemented a year ago.
3. How many dressers failed the stability test out of the 12 tested?
Out of the 12 dressers tested, two older models failed the stability test, while the 10 newer ones passed.
4. What scenarios were simulated in the tests?
The tests simulated scenarios where a child pulls out drawers, climbs on them, or hangs from them.
5. When do the new safety standards for dressers apply?
The new safety standards for dressers apply to those built after September 1, 2023.
6. Can retailers continue selling older dressers?
Yes, retailers can continue selling older dressers, even though they do not comply with the new safety standards.
7. How many deaths and injuries have been caused by dresser tip-overs?
From January 2000 to April 2022, there were 234 deaths caused by dresser tip-overs, with 199 of them being children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are 5,300 emergency room visits each year due to dresser tip-overs.
8. What does the agency recommend to prevent dresser tip-over accidents?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends anchoring furniture, including dressers, to walls to prevent tip-over accidents.
9. Has there been any recall related to furniture tip restraint kits or bookcases?
Yes, earlier this year, the CPSC announced a recall of millions of plastic furniture tip restraint kits due to the risk of zip ties becoming brittle and breaking. Additionally, the agency and Dania Furniture recalled the Hayden Bookcase after an unanchored unit fell over, resulting in the death of a 4-year-old.
10. Are all major retailers ensuring their chests and dressers meet the new safety standards?
While Ikea has committed to ensuring its chests and dressers meet the new safety standards, other major retailers still lack accountability in this regard.
Definitions:
– Sturdy Act: The federal law that mandates unanchored dressers to remain upright for a certain period of time with a specific weight hanging from an open, top drawer.
– Dresser tip-over: An incident where a dresser falls or tips over, potentially causing injuries or fatalities.
– Anchoring: The act of securing or attaching furniture, such as dressers, to walls to prevent tip-over accidents.
Suggested related link:
Furniture Tip-Over Prevention Tips