SEAHO Features
Bunk Bed Safety
By Kelly Uhland,
Savoy Contract Furniture & Member of American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM)
Estimates show more than 2,000 cases per year of bunk-bed-related student injuries where medical treatment
was sought. Recent litigations have cited both institutions and suppliers are liable for these injuries. Is your
school at risk?
Current regulations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) exclude institutional beds, however, recent events are indicative of this changing. How should your institution prepare for these changes?
Student safety is a top priority for housing professionals. This has led college and university administrators to
take a hard look at the realities of students sleeping six feet above the floor. Guardrails for fall prevention have
long been a voluntary measure - one that many institutions opt out of.
Limited budgets create tough decisions for housing officers even as risk managers shake their heads. Lawsuits
continue to be on the rise and people are starting to notice. Safety first is the best course.
Here are some proactive approaches to making adjustable height beds safer:
1) Look for adjustable-height beds that do not exceed 30 inches. This reduces liability by proactively
conforming to the CPSC's guardrail requirements.
2)
Bolt on your guardrails. Students tend to remove guardrails if they are only hooked on. You'll have
peace of mind knowing they are going to remain exactly where you put them.
3)
Documentation is key. Most colleges and universities provide students the option of safety equipment
for the upper bed. If they choose not to take advantage of it, be sure to have your students sign a release
form.
There are many questions to ask and answers to find when bed shopping. Be sure to Google "Residence Hall
Smart Beds" to learn more about the elephant in your residence halls.
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SEAHO Report Winter 2014
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEAHO Report - Winter 2014