Gumtree
Since 2000 at least 28 people, including 17 children under 5, have died in Australia from toppling furniture and televisions. Each year more than 900 Australians suffer injuries requiring medical assistance from toppling furniture. Children under 5 years old and older Australians are most at risk.
What’s new?
A new mandatory information standard came into effect on 4 May 2025 which aims to raise awareness of the hazards of toppling furniture to reduce the risk of death and injury.
This means businesses that make, import, supply or sell certain furniture have until this date to meet the new requirements. They include:
- attaching permanent warning labels to furniture
- displaying point of sale warnings both in-store and online; and
- providing safety information in instructions included with toppling furniture
Suppliers that don’t comply with the standard from 4 May 2025 may be in breach of the Australian Consumer Law and could face enforcement action by the ACCC.
Guidance to help suppliers comply with the mandatory standard can be found in the ACCC supplier guide.
Safety tips for consumers
The best way to prevent furniture from toppling is to secure it to the wall or floor with an anchoring device. Anchoring devices may come with the furniture or can be purchased from furniture retailers, hardware stores and specialty baby goods stores.
Important safety tips:
- look for required warning labels displayed in store, online and on the furniture
- place furniture on a flat and stable surface
- always secure your furniture and television with an anchoring device
- for tenants, talk to your landlord or agent about installing anchor devices to the wall
- store your heaviest items at the bottom of drawers or shelves
- do not place items that are attractive to children on top of toppling furniture
- install locking devices on all drawers to prevent children using them as steps
Selling or buying second-hand furniture?
If you're listing or purchasing items on Gumtree, it helps to think about safety too. Sellers can mention whether anchoring kits are included, or suggest buyers secure items once home. Including a quick safety note in your listing can show responsibility and help protect others, especially families with young children.
For more consumer tips and safety information visit the ACCC consumer guide and the ACCC Product Safety website.
