Furniture tip stability is a crucial issue that has come to the forefront due to the numerous deaths and injuries caused by the tipping over of dressers, armoires, wardrobes and other clothing storage units.

Health Canada is proposing to update its standard for free-standing clothing storage units (CSUs) to reflect new performance criteria. The agency said the proposals are a step towards updating the performance standards for CSUs, which are items like dressers and armoires over 27 inches in height that are not permanently attached to a structure. 

According to the updated Danger to Human Health or Safety Assessment for Free-standing Clothing Storage Units, the assessment proposes to add criteria for suffocation, crushing, and concussion injuries to the list of hazards associated with CSUs. In addition, the updates will consider more than just fatal tip-overs, including a broader range of injuries that could result from a CSU falling.  

Health Canada's website said it is aware of 90 reports of incidents that occurred between June 20, 2011, and September 30, 2024, involving tip-over of furniture in Canada. Of the 90 reports, 12 reported a death and 42 reported an injury.

In the United States from 2020 through 2022, U.S. hospital emergency departments treated an estimated annual average of 17,800 people for product instability or tip-over injuries related to televisions, furniture, and appliances. Of these incidents, the estimated annual average number of injuries involving children (under age 18 years) that involved a chest, bureau, or dresser was 1,800. Of the 17,800 incidents, there were 100 reported fatalities involving furniture tip-over.

Health Canada is currently inviting the public and stakeholders to provide feedback on these proposed updates, which will inform the final determination of whether there is a danger to human health or safety. The comment period closes on November 7. Send an email with ideas or comments to [email protected].