By Mitch Rice
Correctional and behavioral healthcare facilities face unique challenges. Residents of these facilities are at higher risk of self-harm or harming others. These organizations often invest in anti-ligature furnishings to reduce this risk. When choosing these pieces, the facilities must look for well-built, durable, and exceptionally safe products to guarantee they will hold up under demanding conditions.
What is Anti-Ligature Furniture?
Anti-ligature furniture is any furnishing that prevents a tie or binding from being secured. There are no points where a cord, bed sheets, rope, shoelaces, or other items can be attached to the furniture and used to harm oneself or another person. The anti-ligature chairs available in a space and other furnishings must be secured to a floor or wall to prevent their movement.
The Importance of Anti-Ligature Furniture
Safety is the main reason institutional facilities invest in anti-ligature furnishings. Less staff supervision is required when these furnishings are used in the facilities so staff members can focus on other tasks. However, improving safety within a facility doesn’t mean comfort must be sacrificed. Manufacturers continue to find ways to improve the designs so these furnishings are comfortable and safe. Staff members feel safer working around dangerous populations when these furnishings have been purchased.
Where Might Anti-Ligature Furnishings Be Used?
Institutional facilities might use anti-ligature furnishings in several locations. Resident living areas are one place where these items are commonly found. These rooms typically have less staff supervision, so ensuring the facility’s residents remain safe when they aren’t being monitored is essential. Furnishings for these rooms might include beds, storage shelves, writing desks, and nightstands. Other pieces may also be purchased, depending on the residents’ needs.
Mess Halls
Many residents gather together to eat meals, which can make it difficult to monitor everyone’s behavior. Facilities usually mount the furnishings to the floor to prevent unauthorized movement. Any disturbance in the mess hall can quickly escalate as numerous people are confined in one space. Anti-ligature furnishings reduce the risk of someone being harmed during a disturbance, including staff members overseeing the residents. They also make it more difficult for residents to hide contraband.
Common Areas
Mess halls aren’t the only place residents might gather in a facility. Recreation rooms and group therapy rooms are two other areas that benefit from installing anti-ligature furnishings. Anti-ligature game tables and chairs might be found in these areas. A facility may also invest in storage shelves and other pieces to increase safety.
Choosing the Right Furnishings
Anti-ligature furnishings differ in terms of quality. Facilities need to look for durable and long-lasting pieces. These items must withstand frequent use in a challenging environment while remaining safe. Look for pieces that are easy to clean and maintain and can be used for multiple purposes. They should also be attractive and comfortable. The right pieces will last for years while remaining safe and comfortable, saving the facility money and increasing resident satisfaction.
Anti-ligature furnishings have many documented benefits. The positive effects of these furnishings are seen throughout the facility. They increase the facility’s and its residents’ safety while eliminating the possibility of hidden contraband. These furnishings make any space within the facility seem more welcoming. When using anti-ligature furnishings, residents feel more at ease and experience less stress. The focus can turn to rehabilitation, which is the goal of these facilities today.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
