Home Safety 101: Preventing Furniture Tip-Overs and Accidents

Keep Your Home Safe with These Simple Tips

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Your home should be a place of comfort and safety, but sometimes hidden hazards can pose serious risks, especially to young children. One of the most overlooked dangers is furniture tip-overs. From dressers to bookshelves to TVs, unsecured furniture can cause life-threatening injuries.

Thankfully, with a few simple steps, you can help prevent accidents and keep your home safe. Let’s break down what you can do to protect your loved ones.

Choose Safe, Stable Furniture

When shopping for new furniture or rearranging what you already have, consider the structure and height of each piece. Low-set furniture or items with wide, sturdy bases are far less likely to tip over. Avoid tall, narrow pieces that are top-heavy, especially if they’ll be placed in children's rooms or common areas.

If you do have taller furniture, make sure it’s placed against a wall and not in an open area where it can become unstable.

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Secure Your TV and Tall Furniture

Televisions and tall furniture are among the most common culprits in tip-over accidents. Always anchor TVs, bookshelves, wardrobes, and tall dressers to the wall using anti-tip kits or furniture straps. These inexpensive devices are simple to install and can make a massive difference in preventing accidents.

Children are naturally curious and often use furniture to pull themselves up or climb. Without anchors, this can quickly turn dangerous. Make sure cords and remotes are also out of reach to avoid tempting little hands.

Don’t Overload Drawers or Shelves

It may seem harmless but overloading drawers or unevenly stacking items can throw off a piece of furniture’s balance. Heavier items should always be stored in the lower drawers or on the bottom shelves to help keep the center of gravity low.

If drawers are pulled out too far or if a child tries to climb them, heavy contents can tip the whole unit forward. Be mindful of how you organise your belongings to ensure the safest set-up.

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Shop in stock furniture and homewares

Use Child-Resistant Locks

Children love to explore, and drawers often become climbing challenges or hiding spots. Installing child-resistant locks can help keep drawers closed and reduce the temptation to climb.

These locks are easy for adults to open but can stop toddlers in their tracks. They also prevent fingers from getting pinched and stop access to potentially hazardous contents.

Handle Furniture Safely

When unpacking, assembling, or moving furniture, always use proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Rushing through setup or trying to move something heavy on your own increases the risk of injury and poor assembly.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, and make sure all components are tightened and secure. For furniture that contains glass or mirrors, handle it with extra care and consider placing it in lower-traffic areas.

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Eliminate Trip Hazards

While we’re focused on vertical dangers, don’t forget what’s underfoot. Loose rugs, trailing cords, or cluttered pathways can be major trip hazards, especially when moving furniture or if children are running around.

Use non-slip mats under rugs and keep walking paths clear. In busy areas like hallways and living rooms, avoid placing decorative items that might trip someone up.

Be Mindful of Fragile Materials

Glass and mirrored furniture can bring a sleek, modern look to your home, but they also come with extra safety considerations. These pieces are more prone to breaking or chipping, especially if bumped, dropped, or handled roughly.

When assembling or moving glass-top tables, mirrored drawers, or display cabinets, make sure to use two people and protective padding. Never try to carry glass panels on your own and always place them upright during transit to prevent stress fractures.

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With some simple changes, your home can be both stylish and safe. Take a few moments today to check your furniture set-up and make sure everything is secure. For more tips and official safety advice, visit www.productsafety.gov.au