Did You Know That Folding Tables Are A Hazard To Children? Here's Why
Many countries have warned about the dangers of these tables, which have been linked to child deaths.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 03 Jan 2025, 01:18 PM
Did you know that folding tables are a hazard to children?
On 1 January, a 6-year-old girl died after her neck became caught in the folding mechanism of a table at her home in Nibong Tebal, Penang, reported Harian Metro.
The incident occurred at 4.15pm while she was playing alone behind the house, with her mother and siblings inside.
The family only realised something was amiss when they did not hear any noise from her. She was found trapped under the table and rushed to Parit Buntar Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries at 12.30am yesterday, 2 January.
An autopsy determined that she died of asphyxia caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, reported FMT.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child neglect, which could result in a fine of up to RM50,000 or up to 20 years in jail, or both, upon conviction.
The scene of the incident at the victim's home in Nibong Tebal, Penang.
Image via Nur Izzati Mohamad/Harian MetroIncidents of children dying due to folding tables have occurred worldwide.
In some countries, government agencies have recalled and issued warnings about the danger of using such tables.
As early as December 1989, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that at least six deaths and 14 injuries were linked to children moving or playing with rolling folding tables.
In 2014, Walmart recalled 73,400 foldable tables and chairs due to fall hazards and potential finger injuries. The CPSC received reports of injuries, including one finger amputation and three fingertip amputations, associated with the tables manufactured in Taiwan and China.
These concerns led the CPSC to establish a safety standard for children's folding chairs and stools in 2017.
In 2022, the UK government issued a corrective action to destroy folding tables and seats made in China upon arrival at the border.
"This product poses a high risk of injuries as the table structure is not sufficiently resistant to load and breaks easily," read the notice.
The UK government issued a corrective action to destroy folding tables and seats made in China upon arrival at the border.
Image via E-commerce siteMeanwhile, in Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwanese authorities have raised concerns about the dangers of foldable tables, which are common household items in these countries
In 2011, the Consumer Council in Hong Kong warned about the tables following the death of a 2-year-old boy who suffered suspected rib fractures after being trapped in one.
"A folding table is a common potential household hazard. The Consumer Council has long been concerned with the safety regarding folding tables and has been advising consumers to purchase folding tables which are equipped with safety locking devices," the council wrote.
The Consumer Council in Hong Kong published an infographic highlighting the dangers of folding tables.
Image via HK Consumer CouncilTaiwan's Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI) also issued a similar warning in 2019 after the death of an 8-year-old girl who was wedged in a folding table.
Despite the warning, the country witnessed another tragic death of a 3-year-old boy in Taichung City in May 2021 after he was found clamped in the legs of a folding mahjong table.
This incident drew significant attention in Taiwan, where folding mahjong tables are common household items. A spokesperson for a local child safety foundation said that they receive reports of such cases every year, reported Taiwan English News.
In May 2021, a 3-year-old boy in Taichung City, Taiwan died after being found clamped in the legs of a folding mahjong table.
Image via Liberty Times Net