Creating Safer Homes | Anchor Your Furniture for Peace of Mind

We all want to live in a secure and safe home, however, our living spaces can sometimes become unintentional danger zones, especially for children. Toppling furniture and televisions are a serious safety risk in Australian homes—especially for young children and older adults. Since 2000, at least 28 Australians have died in such incidents, including 17 children under five.

Each year, more than 2600 Australians need medical treatment due to falling furniture.

30% of injuries require urgent medical attention
82% of injuries occur in the home
56% of injuries are caused to children under 4 years

Around the Home: Accident Statistics

When creating safer homes you need to understand where do accidents happen most. Did you know that most accidents happen in the:

Living Room – 35%
Kitchen – 17%
Garden – 9%

Families spend the most time in the living room, making it crucial to prioritise safety in this area.

Source: EuroSafe – European Injury Statistics Database, from 2008-2018.

Preventing Furniture and Television Tip-Overs

To reduce these injuries and fatalities, a new mandatory information standard came into effect on 4 May 2025.

It requires:

Permanent warning labels on tall furniture and entertainment units
Safety information on anchoring in manuals and packaging
Clear warnings in-store and online

This standard applies to:

Clothing storage units, bookcases, hall tables, buffets & sideboards over 686mm high
Entertainment units of any height

Why Anchor Furniture?

Accidents, such as furniture tip-overs, can happen unexpectedly. The best defence is proactive – anchor your furniture securely to the wall.

Simple tips for a safer home:

Anchor tall or heavy furniture to the wall
Don’t place toys or remote controls on top of furniture
Supervise children at all times and especially round large items
Learn more at productsafety.gov.au

A Tragic Reminder: Why Furniture Safety Matters

In this heartfelt video, Blake’s parents share the devastating loss of their 3-year-old son after a bookcase toppled onto him. Their story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to anchor furniture in every home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1_pKF38Y0

CASA DORA’s Commitment:

We are dedicated to ensuring your home is a safe haven. By anchoring your furniture, you not only prevent accidents but also contribute to creating a secure environment for your loved ones.

Packaging Restraints:

Restraints are included in our packaging for your convenience. However, it’s essential to understand that not all wall materials are compatible with these restraints.

Guidance on Wall Anchors:

Consult your hardware supplier for guidance on selecting the right wall anchors. Whether your walls are made of plasterboard, fibreboard, masonry or other, they can provide expert advice tailored to your specific needs.

Consumer Advice – Preventing Furniture Tip-Overs

At CASA DORA, safety is a priority in every home. Under new Australian Consumer Law, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has introduced a mandatory information standard to help prevent serious injuries and deaths caused by furniture toppling.

The Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard 2024 requires retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers to inform consumers about the importance of anchoring furniture to walls. These warnings aim to reduce the risk of tip-overs—especially in homes with young children or vulnerable individuals.

This mandatory standard comes into full effect from 4 May 2025 and applies to a range of household furniture items, including tall storage units and entertainment cabinets.

For more details, visit the ACCC’s official guidance here:
🔗 Toppling Furniture – Mandatory Standard