Major retailers still sell dangerous dressers at risk of tipping

Consumer Reports has raised concerns about the continued sale of older dressers that pose a tipping hazard, particularly for households with young children. Despite new safety standards implemented in September 2023, major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair still offer older models that may not comply with these regulations. Testing revealed that two out of twelve dressers manufactured before the new standards failed stability tests, while all newer models passed. This situation highlights a loophole in the federal Sturdy Act, which allows the sale of older furniture that does not meet updated safety requirements. The Sturdy Act mandates that unanchored dressers must remain upright for at least ten seconds with a 60-pound weight on an open top drawer. However, the law only applies to dressers built after the September 2023 deadline, leaving older models on the market. Advocacy groups, including Consumer Reports, are urging retailers to commit to a timeline for phasing out these potentially dangerous products. The tragic death of a child due to a dresser tip-over incident has intensified calls for stricter compliance with safety standards. In response to these concerns, retailers have stated that they require compliance with applicable laws and regulations. However, they have not committed to removing older dressers from their inventory. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented numerous injuries and fatalities related to furniture tip-overs, emphasizing the importance of anchoring furniture to walls for safety. As the debate continues, the safety of children remains a priority, and advocacy groups are pushing for greater accountability from retailers to ensure that only safe furniture is available for purchase.