‘It is a critical next step’: Major changes coming to Aussie furniture stores
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Toppling furniture might sound like a rare accident, but it poses a serious risk inside many Australian homes.
A recent move by authorities signals just how significant the issue has become—and what's now expected from those selling household items.
A new safety requirement has taken effect, sparking a shift in how dangerous furniture must be labelled and sold.
A new safety standard aimed at reducing the risk of injury and death from falling furniture came into effect on 4 May.
The regulation required furniture suppliers to issue clear safety warnings about the dangers associated with unstable furniture.
Any item standing 686 centimetres or taller fell under the new standard.
Suppliers were now obligated to display hazard warnings both in-store and online.
They were also required to attach permanent labels to products and include safety instructions for anchoring and assembly.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warned that failing to comply could result in harsh penalties.
Individuals faced fines of up to $2.5 million, while businesses could be penalised up to $50 million.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said: ‘Suppliers must meet these requirements, and the ACCC will be working with state-based consumer agencies to monitor compliance and take enforcement action if appropriate.’
She added that this marked an important step forward in preventing injuries and fatalities linked to toppling furniture.
‘It is a critical next step in reducing injuries and deaths involving toppling furniture,’ she said.
Since 2000, at least 28 people—including 17 children under five—had died in Australia as a result of toppling furniture and televisions.
The data highlighted that over 900 people in Australia were injured every year in similar incidents, many requiring medical treatment.
Children aged under four and older Australians were identified as the most at-risk groups.
The ACCC urged customers to take notice of warning labels and place heavy objects on lower shelves or drawers to help prevent accidents.
Furniture brands such as Koala had already adapted their designs, including prominent labelling on products like the Koala Balmain Bookshelf.
The ACCC confirmed it would be actively working with consumer regulators across the country to ensure the rules were being followed.
This update followed a growing push to make household items safer, especially for young families and seniors.
In a previous story, a teen made a heartbreaking discovery after a freak accident involving an ottoman bed.
The tragedy served as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday furniture.
Read on to see how one family’s loss has sparked broader safety concerns.
With new safety rules now in place, will this move finally make our homes safer for everyone—especially kids and seniors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A recent move by authorities signals just how significant the issue has become—and what's now expected from those selling household items.
A new safety requirement has taken effect, sparking a shift in how dangerous furniture must be labelled and sold.
A new safety standard aimed at reducing the risk of injury and death from falling furniture came into effect on 4 May.
The regulation required furniture suppliers to issue clear safety warnings about the dangers associated with unstable furniture.
Any item standing 686 centimetres or taller fell under the new standard.
New safety rules target falling furniture risk. Image source: Koala
Suppliers were now obligated to display hazard warnings both in-store and online.
They were also required to attach permanent labels to products and include safety instructions for anchoring and assembly.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warned that failing to comply could result in harsh penalties.
Individuals faced fines of up to $2.5 million, while businesses could be penalised up to $50 million.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said: ‘Suppliers must meet these requirements, and the ACCC will be working with state-based consumer agencies to monitor compliance and take enforcement action if appropriate.’
She added that this marked an important step forward in preventing injuries and fatalities linked to toppling furniture.
‘It is a critical next step in reducing injuries and deaths involving toppling furniture,’ she said.
Since 2000, at least 28 people—including 17 children under five—had died in Australia as a result of toppling furniture and televisions.
The data highlighted that over 900 people in Australia were injured every year in similar incidents, many requiring medical treatment.
Children aged under four and older Australians were identified as the most at-risk groups.
The ACCC urged customers to take notice of warning labels and place heavy objects on lower shelves or drawers to help prevent accidents.
Furniture brands such as Koala had already adapted their designs, including prominent labelling on products like the Koala Balmain Bookshelf.
The ACCC confirmed it would be actively working with consumer regulators across the country to ensure the rules were being followed.
This update followed a growing push to make household items safer, especially for young families and seniors.
In a previous story, a teen made a heartbreaking discovery after a freak accident involving an ottoman bed.
The tragedy served as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday furniture.
Read on to see how one family’s loss has sparked broader safety concerns.
With new safety rules now in place, will this move finally make our homes safer for everyone—especially kids and seniors? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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