Falling TVs a Serious Risk to Children

6-year old Isabelle Burwell-Keck fatally injured by falling tv

In March, 2014 a 6-year old Calgary girl Isabelle Burwell-Keck was fatally struck by a falling television in her home.

The television was perched on top of a dresser that Isabelle was reaching into for some clothing. The heavy, unstable TV toppled onto her, causing a fatal injury to her head.

In another incident, 22-month old Everett Smith suffered multiple skull fractures when a television fell onto him at the family’s summer cottage.

His father was reaching for a set of keys from a table when he accidently knocked a tv over, causing it to fall onto Everett. Thankfully, the infant made a full recovery from his serious injuries.

TVs Ranked 3rd in the Top 5 Hidden Home Hazards

Injuries to children caused by falling televisions are increasing dramatically as evidenced by the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.

baby touching television that could topple onto him — Toddlers aged 1-3 are the most vulnerable

Newer televisions are taller, wider and increasingly top-heavy. Unsecured big-screen TVs are easily knocked over by young children while climbing on furniture, or playing closeby.

From 2011 to 2013, a total of 33 children were treated at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital after being struck by falling televisions. The most common injuries have been neck and head injuries, including skull fractures.

Impact of a TV Falling Onto a Small Child can be Devastating

A typical 36″ TV falling just 1 metre can create the momentum equivalent to a 1-year old child falling from a 10-story building.

The majority (84%) of child injuries caused by falling TVs have occurred in the child’s home; more than three-fourths of the injury-causing incidents happened unwitnessed by an adult caregiver.

How To Prevent A TV From Falling Onto a Child

Injuries caused by falling TVs are 100% preventable. Here is what you can do to keep kids safe:

Use a proper television stand– avoid placing TV on high or unstable furniture
Secure TV to the wall or to the television stand
Anchor TV-holding furniture such as dressers and vanities to the wall
Place TV back from edge of furniture
Avoid putting toys or remote control devices on top of TV
Keep play areas away from floor areas where TV could fall
Caution children and caregivers/baby sitters about the dangers of a falling TV

The Consumers Electronics Association has published a TV Placement Safety flyer with more excellent child safety tips.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has a Tip-over Prevention video posted on YouTube.