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A recent article by Atlanta, Georgia based on-line magazine Student Housing Business.com featured a Q&A with Savoy Contract Furniture Marketing Manager Kelly Uhland with the focus on Bunk Bed Safety in boarding schools, colleges and universities. One of the most experienced teams in the furniture business specializing in student housing and residence hall furnishings are based at Savoy's Home Office in Montoursville, Pennsylvania.
Foremost in these professionals' thoughts? Student safety.
Property management firms, designers, and school administrators all need to take a hard look at the realities of students sleeping six feet off the floor and what can be done to protect them.
"Estimates show more than 2,000 instances each year where 18-22 year old students seek medical treatment for bunk-bed related injuries," said Uhland. "Recent litigation has cited both institutions and manufacturers liable for the injury, even when alcohol was involved."
Uhland noted that Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations provide voluntary measures to be taken by manufacturers like Savoy Contract Furniture-just one of the many companies that make institutional beds for the 7,000 higher education institutions in America serving 15 million students.
"Limited budgets create tough decisions for builders even as risk managers shake their heads. Lawsuits continue to be on the rise, and people are taking notice," said Uhland.
She offers some advice to housing managers and school and college administrators to make sleeping on campus safer:
• Look for adjustable height beds that do not exceed 30 inches.
• Bolt on guard rails.
• Documentation is key.
Uhland noted that there are many questions to ask and answers to seek when procuring residence hall furniture.
Keep in mind that versatility, storage, style and budget may drive decisions from one vendor to the next, but safety must drive the final decision to make that purchase without compromising design.
For more information on how GET, LLC and Savoy Furniture (GSA Dorm and Quarters Contract #GS-27F-3019D (John Savoy & Son, Inc.)) can assist with your case goods needs, call us at 671-483-0789 or check out our website at www.get-guam.com.