Bunk and Loft Bed Safety

Bunk beds and lofts can help organize a dorm room to maximize the space. However, UE claims have shown that if proper precautions are not taken, these beds and lofts can cause severe injury to students for which your institution may be held liable. From broken bones to brain damage or paralysis, most severe injuries reported happened when students fell from the top bunk or loft. Other common causes of injuries and subsequent insurance claims include falls from improperly attached ladders and collapsed beds due to faulty brackets.

Consider the following scenarios, based on UE claims:

• A high school student who fell out of a bunk bed and suffered a subdural hematoma during summer camp filed suit against the camp and the sponsoring school district. The lawsuit alleged negligent supervision of a minor, use of a defective or dangerous bunk bed, failure to maintain premises, failure to warn that the bunk bed was dangerous, and failure to protect claimant from injury while using the bunk bed. Though a registered safety engineer stated that the bed was not a safety hazard, the claim settled for $500,000 on top of expensive, lengthy litigation.
• A freshman at a small independent college in New York fell from a bunk bed ladder when it gave way, sustaining injuries to her back and arm. It was one of 12 new ladders the college had purchased. Even though a jury ruled in favor of the college, the case took several years and required defense costs of more than $75,000.

Consider implementing the following safety precautions to minimize the risk of student injuries from bunks and lofts:

Offer safety rails to students who sleep on a top bunk or loft. Safety or bed rails are the most efficient way to prevent injuries. UE recommends that K-12 institutions require bed rails for minors, but the policy must be enforced effectively and consistently to mitigate the risk of weakening the institution’s defense in a lawsuit. If safety rails are available but not required, minor students and their guardians should sign an assumption of risk form stating that the student has declined use of the safety rail and has been informed of the risks. If your higher education institution requires safety rails, you must enforce this rule. For example, resident assistants and employees should take corrective action if they notice a student has removed his or her bed rail.

Create and enforce a bunk and loft bed policy. Your institution’s housing policy should state bunk and loft bed requirements, including the use of safety rails and ladders, bed placement, procedures for getting into and out of bed, and fire and safety precautions. Follow up with any noncomplying students to ensure corrective action is taken and encourage students to report any needed repairs.

Document and follow through on inspections of bunk beds and lofts. At the beginning and end of each academic year, institutions should inspect all student bunk beds and lofts, with written documentation. Ensure that ladders and bed rails are secured and properly affixed to the bed, and bed or loft brackets are secure and working properly.

Being proactive and mindful of the risks involved with bunk and loft beds can help minimize injuries.