Between 2012 and 2017, there were 50 infant and child fatalities reported to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that were related to window cord strangulation.
To help prevent child injuries, a new voluntary standard (ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018) took effect on December 15, 2018 for stock window coverings that are sold in stores or online. These window coverings should be cordless or free of accessible cords. The new standard also includes restrictions for corded custom-order window coverings, including a specified default length and a default to a tilt wand rather than a tilt cord. The standard also includes more evident warning tags regarding the strangulation hazard.
Consumers who have corded blinds are encouraged to replace them with cordless blinds, especially if children live in or visit their homes regularly. If you are currently unable to make the switch, these are the safety tips recommends by CPSC:
- Eliminate dangling cords, and keep all window cords well out of the reach of children.
- Make sure that cord stops are properly installed and adjusted in order to limit movement of inner lift cords.
- Permanently anchor continuous-loop cords on draperies and vertical blinds to the floor or wall.
- Move all cribs, beds, and other furniture away from windows and window cords.
- Ensure that tasseled pull cords are as short as possible.
You can learn more about window covering safety in CPSC’s Window Covering Safety Education Center.
If your child has been injured due to window covering, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
