A voluntary recall of about 29 million chests and dressers has been announced after reports of six children deaths by toppling Ikea chests. According to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), around 36 children have been injured by Ikea chests and dressers.
Ikea chests and dressers could tip over if not anchored to the wall. They have caused death to children below the age of 4 since 1989. Jaquelyn Collas of Pennsylvania found her 2-year-old son pinned between his bed and an Ikea MALM dresser in February 2014.
The company engaged in sale of recalled product is offering refund or repair kit for affected dressers, including the MALM and other styles. Furniture manufactured between 2002 and 2016 will entitle customers to a full refund and consumers can get partial store credit for items produced prior to 2002. In addition, costumer can get someone from the company for installing wall anchor on request.
As unanchored chests have led to death of four of the children in the past, CPSC is encouraging consumers to store the dresser at a place where children may not have any access. Collas is suing Ikea saying that company failed to warn consumers that dresser could be dangerous. She filed amended complaint in May 2015. She warns customer that the product is really dangerous product.
“We have been in close contact with the CPSC to evaluate the success of the repair program and the impact it is having on consumers’ actions. We are announcing this recall today given the recent tragic death of a third child," said the company.