Assemblyman Dinowitz Reminds Consumers of the Dangers of Unsecured Furniture

   Following Ikea’s recent announcement that they will be offering free wall anchoring kits to customers who have purchased certain products, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz reminded consumers of the dangers of not securing heavy household furniture.

“Nearly every two weeks a child dies when a TV or some other large piece of furniture falls on them,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “According to one study from the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 349 consumers were killed between 2000 and 2011 as a result of furniture toppling over; 84% of those deaths were children younger than nine years old. This is exactly why I sponsored a bill earlier this year requiring the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection to create a public awareness campaign about the dangers of unsecured furniture” (A.7018).

The same federal commission estimates that over 43,000 consumers are injured each year in similar tip-over incidents; more than 25,000 of those injuries being suffered by children younger than 18. Falling furniture accounts for more than half of the reported injuries. However, falling televisions are more deadly, as they are associated with 62% of reported fatalities.

Mr. Dinowitz’s bill, which passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support in both the Assembly and in the Senate where it was sponsored by Senator Patricia Ritchie (R-Jefferson), and is to be sent to the Governor’s office for his signature or veto. Specifically, the legislation requires the Division of Consumer Protection to develop, establish, and implement a public awareness campaign related to the dangers of unsecured furniture, televisions, and other household appliances.

“The number one victims of unsecured furniture are overwhelmingly children. These tragedies are easily preventable, and it starts with passing along the information to and making the public aware of how to put a stop to these incidents from happening,” Assemblyman Dinowitz noted. “Ikea’s recent announcement serves as a reminder to all of us of the dangers associated with un-anchored furniture, and the propensity of these incidents to result in severe injury.”

“I strongly urge the Governor to sign this bill in to law,” said Mr. Dinowitz. “This awareness campaign is going to save many lives by encouraging people to take the appropriate actions when it comes to securing furniture.”