When we think of accidents in the home, we often think of things like falls on a slippery floor or burns while cooking. But what we don’t often consider is the danger of everyday furniture in our homes.

From chairs and tables to bookshelves and dressers, these common household items can cause serious accidents if not properly used or maintained.

Unstable furniture

One of the main causes of furniture-related accidents is instability. Many pieces of furniture are designed with narrow bases or uneven legs, making them more likely to tip over.

This is especially true of tall pieces like bookshelves and dressers, which can be pulled over by children or pets who climb on them or accidentally bump into them. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that falling furniture and TVs are responsible for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year.

Loose or missing hardware

Another common cause of furniture accidents is loose or missing hardware. Chairs and tables that wobble or rock due to loose bolts or screws can easily cause someone to lose their balance or even fall off the furniture.

Similarly, dressers or bookshelves with missing or loose drawer pulls or knobs can pose a hazard if someone tries to open or close a drawer and it comes loose, causing the entire piece of furniture to tip over.

Sitting for too long

Believe it or not, even something as seemingly harmless as sitting on a chair for too long can be a hazard. Sitting in the same position for hours on end can cause muscle cramps, back pain, and even blood clots.

This is especially true if the chair is poorly designed with little support or cushioning. It’s important to take frequent breaks when sitting, especially if you work at a desk or spend a lot of time sitting in front of a screen.

Proper furniture care and maintenance

So what can you do to prevent furniture-related accidents in your home? The first step is to choose quality, well-designed furniture that is stable and sturdy.

Look for furniture with wide bases or legs that are even and well-attached to the body of the furniture. Make sure that all drawers, doors, and other parts are securely attached with tight hardware.

It’s also important to maintain your furniture to ensure that it stays in good condition and doesn’t pose a hazard. Regularly inspect all of your furniture to check for loose or missing hardware and repair any issues as soon as possible.

If a piece of furniture is unstable or damaged beyond repair, it’s best to get rid of it rather than risk an accident.

Finally, it’s important to use your furniture properly. Don’t use chairs or tables as makeshift ladders and never let your children climb on them.

Never overload dressers or bookshelves with too much weight, as this can cause the furniture to become unstable and tip over.

Conclusion

Furniture is an essential part of our homes, but it can also be a hazard if not properly used or maintained. Take the time to inspect your furniture regularly and keep it in good condition.

Choose quality, stable pieces and use them properly to avoid accidents and injuries in your home.