According to CNBC.com, a MALM chest, one of the furniture types recalled by IKEA in June 2016, was associated with the death of a child. This is the fourth child fatality associated with the IKEA recall.
Details of the IKEA Recall and Deaths
IKEA issued the recall as the furniture in question posed a serious tip-over hazard. 29 million drawers and chests were included in the recall.
When addressing the issue, IKEA has distributed 130,000 refunds for the recalled furniture as well as 150,00 anchor kits. All of this has been in addition to the repair kits that were distributed following the July 2015 repair program being announced.
The fourth child fatality involved a 2-year-old boy from Woodbridge, VA. The boy died in September 2011. The incident that led to the fatality involved a MALM 3-drawer dresser that was unanchored. The dresser tipped over and trapped the child between the drawers of the dresser.
IKEA has stated it is committed to addressing the issue of furniture that pose a tip-over hazard. IKEA has also offered its condolences to the family of the boy involved in the fourth fatality.
How to Prevent Furniture from Tipping-Over
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following can be done to prevent a piece of furniture from tipping-over:
- Use furniture that is sturdy.
- Ensure your T.V. is secured.
- Follow instructions for securing and installing.
- When installing top-heavy furniture is anchored properly.
- Ensure any items that could temp a child to climb is out of sight.
