Warning

1996-07
January 24, 1996

Unstable Dressers Are Hazardous to Young Children

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers about certain unstable lightweight children's dressers that may pose a serious tipover hazard to young children. Recently, a two-and-half-year old child died when she was crushed by an unstable dresser that tipped over onto her.

The dressers that are of concern are lightweight and their depth is shallow, typically measuring not more than 45 cm from front to back. The dressers may become unstable and tip over. This may happen if heavy objects are placed on the top or in the top drawers; if a child attempts to climb up by opening the lower drawers; or if the child attempts to open the top drawers.

If the furniture tips over, it could fall on a child, causing serious injury such as fractures, internal injuries or suffocation. The products are sold in Canada under various brand names.

Health Canada recommends that parents and caregivers avoid placing heavy objects on the top of these dressers or in the top drawers. Parents can also increase the stability of the products by fastening them to the wall with brackets or screwing the back directly into the wall. In some cases, removal of the feet may also increase product stability.

Information:
Bonnie Fox-McIntyre/Monique Renaud-Gagné
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588