The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers that unstable TVs, furniture and appliances pose a deadly danger to young children. These items can tip over and crush children, causing injury or death.

Last year, CPSC identified this issue as one of the “top five hidden home hazards.” According to a new report out from the CPSC, there were at least 180 tip-over related deaths between 2000 and 2006, 80 percent involving children younger than 10. The report also indicates that between 2005 and 2006 there were at least 40 reports of television or television and furniture related tip-over deaths.

These deaths and injuries frequently occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and stove oven doors. Televisions placed on top of furniture can tip over and cause a child to suffer traumatic and sometimes fatal injuries. Stove tip-over deaths have occurred when children stand on oven doors.

“Tip-over related deaths continue to be a problem. These tragedies can be prevented by taking precautions,” said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.

To help prevent tip-over hazards, CPSC recommends the following safety tips below:

• Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor all entertainment units, TV stands, bookcases, shelving and bureaus to the wall or floor using appropriate hardware, such as brackets, screws, or toggles.
• Place televisions on sturdy furniture appropriate for the size of the TV or on a low-rise base.
• Push the TV as far back as possible from the front of its stand.
• Place electrical cords out of a child's reach, and teach children not to play with the cords.
• Remove items from the top of the TV and furniture that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls.

Posted October 2008.

Labels: Furniture Safety, Oven Safety, wrongful death

Wolf Appliance Inc. has recalled about 24,000 Wolf Gas Ranges due to possible burn hazard. Below is the Wolf Gas Range recall announcement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Wolf Appliance Gas Ranges

Units: About 24,000

Manufacturer: Wolf Appliance Inc., of Madison, Wis.

Hazard: Delayed ignition of gas in the 18-inch oven can cause a flash of flames to be projected at a consumer when the range door is opened, posing a burn hazard to consumers. [This Wolf Gas Range recall involves possible burns to the hands, arms and face. When burn injuries involve disfigurement, the person burned should be compensated for the disfigurement by responsible parties. In this case, if you have been burned on the face when opening a Wolf Gas Range, you should contact our law firm regarding compensation for disfigurement.]

Incidents/Injuries: Wolf has received 97 reports of units experiencing delayed ignition, including 15 minor burns. There have been no reports of fires or property damage.

Description: This recall involves the following Wolf Appliance 48-Inch gas ranges with model numbers: P48, PS48 and R48. The gas ranges are stainless steel with a double oven. A “Wolf” appliance logo is on the front of the larger oven door.

Sold at: Home builders and appliance stores nationwide from January 1998 through June 2008 for between $5,000 and $9,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: [If you have been burned by a Wolf gas stove, you should not contact the manufacturer before contacting a burn injury lawyer. Please contact our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our lawyers or submit our online form for a free consultation.] Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled gas range 18-inch oven and contact the manufacturer to schedule a free, in-home repair. The large oven and all cooktop burners are not affected and may be used.

Labels: burn death, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Oven Safety