Bunk Beds Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

On September 20, 2011, American Woodcrafters of High Point, North Carolina and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of two bunk beds manufactured in Indonesia due to a fall hazard. Approximately 180 bunk beds are being recalled and the beds were sold nationwide from October 2010 to June 2011. The bunk beds are known as the "Wood Twin Bunk Beds" and the "Loft Bunk Beds." The beds were sold through retailers across the country. American Woodcrafters has been in existence for over 15 years.

According to a joint announcement, the guard rails on the upper bunk may break away causing the underlying rails that support the mattress to collapse. Those sleeping on the top bunk could subsequently fall through the bed. There have been two confirmed reports of the guard rails breaking away and the support rails, and mattress, falling through. The U.S. CPSC states no injuries have been reported. Those who have the bunk beds are advised to stop using them immediately, then to contact American Woodcrafters (or their local furniture dealer where they purchased the beds) in order to obtain a free replacement for the rails.

Those who think they may have purchased the bunk beds are advised to check the headboard or footboard where the official American Woodcrafters logo, SKU number, PO number, description, manufacturing information and date is located. The SKU numbers for the recalled bunk beds include 1800-977 and 1800-969. The beds affected by the recall will have the PO Numbers: 103276, 103432, or 300038.

In addition to the recent recall, a 2008 study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that bunk bed related issues happen to people of all ages, including those between the ages of 18 and 21. Though it might appear that only young children are at risk, those older who may use bunk beds in settings such as the military or college dormitories had an increased risk of being injured due to falls. According to the study, children who fall from bunk beds tend to fall head first and of children three-years-old or younger that fell from bunk beds, there was a 40% increased risk the child would suffer a head injury.

Co Author of the study, Lara McKenzie, PhD, MA stated, "Everyone wants to feel safe and secure while resting or sleeping, yet bunk beds are a common source of injury among children and adolescents. Our study found that bunk bed-related injuries can be severe and require hospital admission. In addition to children less than 6 years of age, young adults have a significantly increased risk of injury from bunk beds in schools, recreational sports facilities and public properties."

Nationwide Children's Hospital recommends that children under the age of six be prohibited from sleeping in the top bunk and that guardrails with a spacing of 3.5 inches or less be used on both sides of the top bunk to prevent strangulation or entrapment. Additionally, those who use bunk beds should ensure they have a properly fitting mattress and that the foundation is secure. Bunk beds should not be placed near ceiling fans; children should be instructed not to play on bunk beds as well.

Those who have purchased the American Woodcrafters Wood Twin or Loft Bunk Beds may call the consumer hotline toll free at 1-888-429-7265 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, ET, regarding the recall.

Sources:

CPSC Recalls