CPSC offering $1.1 million in pool safety grants to help prevent drowning and drain entrapments; state and local government encouraged to apply
January 2, 2018, Marketwatch
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a 90-day solicitation seeking applications for a special Pool Safely Grant Program (PSGP) offered to state and local governments. CPSC expects to award $1.1 million in two-year grants to assist jurisdictions in reducing deaths and injuries from drowning and drain entrapment incidents in pools and spas. The Pool Safely grant program is a part of CPSC’s national effort to make drowning and drain entrapment prevention a critical public safety priority.
CPSC Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries
December, 2017, cpsc.gov
As of December 31, 2016, CPSC staff received reports of 14,653 ATV-related fatalities occurring between 1982 and 2016. CPSC staff received reports of 337 ATV-related fatalities occurring in 2016, 484 occurring in 2015, and 581 occurring in 2014. Reporting for the years 2014 through 2016 is ongoing; these numbers are expected to increase in future reports.
Consumer agency renews warnings when buying a new dress or tv
December 9, 2017, Claims Journal
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns TVs and furniture like dressers and chests pose tip-over risks if they are not properly anchored to walls. This is especially true in households with young children, who can be tempted to climb on anything. But plenty of adults get injured, too. Emergency rooms treat an average of 30,700 people – 52 percent of them children – each year for injuries related to falling televisions, furniture and appliances, according to a 2017 CPSC report.
New year is time to review, evaluate, and press forward
January 2, 2018, Furniture Today blog
This past year was a busy one for the industry as retailers and manufacturers alike watched a wave of activity led by private equity and foreign-based investment in many well-known organizations. Online resources like Amazon and Wayfair also continued to shake up the industry with e-commerce models that have brought the most significant changes to buying and selling furniture that we have seen in years. In 2018, the industry can certainly expect the e-commerce wave to continue as Amazon expands its presence in furniture and other home-related products.
PFAS: All signs point to more regulation in 2018
December 27, 2017, JDSupra (DLA Piper)
Regulatory issues will be front and center in manufacturing and retailing in 2018. This includes issues such as new labeling provisions for Prop 65 that take effect Aug. 30 and new labeling requirements for the new national formaldehyde emissions standard that take effect in December. Tip-over standards now under discussion with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also could result in a shift in testing requirements on clothing storage units.
Vt. Toxics law provides data, but not clarity, about kids toys
November 22, 2017, Burlington Free Press
Three years after Vermont required manufacturers to report chemicals used in children’s products, holiday shoppers can get more information about toys than ever before — some assembly required. In 2014, Vermont passed a law requiring toy manufacturers to report the presence of chemicals in children’s products, using a list of 66 chemicals thought to raise possible health concerns. Manufacturers began submitting their reports Jan. 1, though it’s not easy to find this information.
Manufacturer’s Requirements: Oregon’s Toxic-Free Kids Act
October, 2017, Oregon.gov
The Toxic-Free Kids Act, passed during the 2015 legislative session, requires manufacturers of children’s products sold in Oregon to report products containing one or more high priority chemicals of concern for children’s health if found at or above specific levels in those products. This annual report for the State Legislature on the Act’s implementation was issued by the state’s health authority, which is responsible for implementing this law.
Monsanto wins support from 11 U.S. states in California cancer dispute
January 3, 3018, Reuters
Monsanto Co has won support from eleven U.S. states in its attempt to stop California from requiring cancer warnings on products containing glyphosate, ratcheting up a legal fight over the company’s popular weed killer. Missouri, home to Monsanto’s headquarters, along with other farm states including Iowa and Indiana, said in court documents that the warnings would be misleading because there is no definite link between glyphosate and cancer.
What was asbestos doing in children’s makeup?
December 31, 2017, Forbes
Following a media report that testing allegedly has found asbestos in makeup products sold by Claire’s in nine different states, the company continues to respond to the glare of publicity. Claire announced that “as a result of today’s inquiry from WJAR-TV, we have taken the precautionary measure of pulling the items in question from sale, and will be conducting an immediate investigation into the alleged issues.” Claire’s is offering refunds to customers who purchased the products.
House Okays measure promoting children’s safety
December 26, 2017, The Manila Times
A Bill regulating the importation, manufacture, distribution and sale of children’s products containing hazardous chemicals has been approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading. The Safe and Non-Hazardous Children’s Products Act, was unanimously approved by 189 lawmakers. It seeks to identify the hazardous chemicals commonly used in the production of children’s products, as well as the biennial updating of the list.
Consumer Protection Bill: You may end up in jail for cheating your customers; here is how
January 6, 2018, Financial Express
A new India consumer protection bill is designed to make sure that there is no discrepancy in the dealings between the manufacturer and consumer. The bill that was tabled during legislative proceeding seeks to enforce strict provisions to protect consumers by regulation of online sales, e-commerce, direct selling, tele-marketing and misleading ads. The government has introduced possible penalties for manufacturers engaging in any unscrupulous activity.
