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Furniture tipping accidents: redesign for prevention
C G Drury1, S J Czaja, G V Prabhu
1State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences 14260, USA. drury@acsu.buffalo.edu
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|July 25, 1998
Summary
Furniture tipping hazards in public spaces were analyzed using observational studies and anthropometric models. Safety criteria were developed and applied to modify furniture, enhancing customer protection against tipping accidents.
Area of Science:
- Public health
- Product safety engineering
- Human factors engineering
Background:
- Public service organizations face risks from furniture tipping in customer areas.
- Lack of existing injury data necessitated a novel approach to hazard assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement safety modifications for furniture to prevent tipping hazards in public concourses.
- To establish a safety criterion based on anthropometric modeling for furniture stability.
Main Methods:
- An observational study identified furniture tipping hazard patterns.
- Anthropometric models assessed tipping probabilities across different age and gender groups.
- A safety criterion was derived from modeling to guide furniture modifications.
Main Results:
- Hazard patterns for furniture tipping were established.
- Probabilities of furniture safety were calculated for various user demographics.
- Furniture modifications were implemented to increase tipping resistance.
Conclusions:
- The developed safety criterion and modeling approach effectively enhanced furniture stability.
- These methods offer a framework for creating valid furniture tipping standards.
- Modifications have been successfully implemented, improving public safety.