The Herald featured an article on January 31, 2012 about preventing tip-over injuries in the home. The author, Mary Beth Breckenridge, focused on how to child proof a home, but I would like to take this a bit further. Older people are vulnerable too. I can’t begin to tell you how many seniors have fallen victim to similar incidents.
We all know that tripping over electrical cords or throw rugs are accidents waiting to happen but there are other culprits. Have you ever watched an older relative or friend hold onto a flimsy end table, a chest of drawer or a television tray table when getting out of a chair or moving around a room? Falls and other injuries due to furniture tip-over’s can happen at any age and can result in head injuries and broken bones. Most falls occur when adults or children fall against or steady themselves against unstable television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests, and appliances.
Even a large item like a television can easily be overturned. Did you know that you can buy straps to anchor a television or other large furniture items? Children can easily pull heavy items over on top of them, but don’t forget that an adult struggling to maintain balance will grab onto to anything to protect themselves.
Large televisions’ and unstable pieces of furniture are hazards, especially when paired together. Look around your home for hidden dangers and address them promptly. It only takes a few minutes to check that all items are firmly secured, stable and not prone to tipping or falling over. Recommendations often include using safety straps or L-brackets, purchasing furniture with wide legs or a with a solid base, installing drawer stops on chest of drawers, and placing heavy items close to the floor. It never hurts to anchor chests, dressers, television stands, bookcases and entertainment units to the floor or attach them to the wall. Statistics show that one-half to two-thirds of adult falls occur in and around the home. I had always assumed that most at home falls were caused when navigating stairs or using a ladder, but it seems that “same level living areas” are even more common. Find these hidden dangers in your home and take action now.
This is an excellent post to make myself and others aware of tipping dangers in order to secure family relatives' homes. Thanks for the post.
Posted by: Eve | February 03, 2012 at 12:52 PM