Consumer Protection has identified a recent tragedy that claimed the life of a one-year-old girl as an urgent reminder to families and parents of the dangers of toppling furniture and large appliances.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe said these items should be secured to the wall if there were young children, or people with a disability, in their home or on their business premises.
“The risk occurs when children attempt to climb furniture such as a chest of drawers, wardrobes, bookcases and tables; or try to reach electronic appliances such as large TVs,” Mr Newcombe said.
“If the home is a rental, laws are now in place allowing tenants to fix furniture and appliances to walls with the permission of the landlord or their agent,” he said.
Mr Newcombe said permission could not be refused except in very limited circumstances, such as the home being heritage-listed or the walls containing asbestos.
“It involves only a small amount of money and effort, but the result of fixing furniture and heavy appliances to the wall will have an enormous effect in preventing child injuries and deaths,” he said.
“On average, toppling furniture and appliances kill one child a year in Australia and many others suffer injuries, many involving brain damage and broken bones.”
The Commissioner said wall anchors were often provided with the purchase of these items or could be bought at most local hardware stores.
“We also encourage suppliers to provide fixings, along with safety warnings, if their products can be easily tipped over,” Mr Newcombe said.
