According to The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 37 deaths and 113 injuries had occurred due to falling vending machines from 1978 to 1995. In the United States, 2-3 people die every year from falling vending machines. When you think of vending machines, you likely picture a convenient way to grab a snack or drink. However, while these machines may seem harmless, the reality is that they can be quite dangerous— here’s how:
Most Common Cause of Death
The most common cause of vending machine-related deaths is tipping accidents. These occur when people attempt to rock, tilt, or shake the machine in an effort to retrieve items that have become stuck. Vending machines are heavy—typically weighing anywhere from 500 to 900 pounds. When they are improperly rocked or tilted, they can easily fall over, crushing the individual underneath.
Here are the most common scenarios that lead to vending machine accidents:
1. Shaking or Tilting the Machine
The majority of vending machine-related deaths happen when frustrated customers try to shake the machine to dislodge a snack or drink that hasn’t properly dispensed.
2. Climbing the Machine
In some cases, people will climb on or lean against a vending machine to reach higher compartments or push items into place. This can cause the machine to tip over or collapse under the added weight.
What manufacturers are doing
