CPSC releases new mandatory standard to improve safety of high chairs
June 19, 2019, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved a new federal mandatory safety standard to make high chairs safer for both home and restaurant use. The new mandatory standard, which aims to prevent deaths and injuries to infants and toddlers, applies to any infant high chair manufactured or imported on or after June 19, 2019.
IKEA announced dressers, chests designed to prevent tip-overs
June 20, 2019, NBC Miami
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is weighing in on a new dresser design meant to prevent furniture tip-overs. IKEA has announced a new series of dressers and chest of drawers, called Glesvar, designed to prevent tip-overs. The furniture has three stability features. The newly designed series will be available in the U.S. in December. “As an agency we talk about designing out the hazard and perhaps these dressers will do just that,” Acting CPSC Chair Anne-Marie Buerkle said.
E-scooter injuries on the rise less than a week into Chicago’s program
June 20, 2019, ABC7 Chicago
It’s been less than a week since a scooter program launched in Chicago and doctors said they’ve seen an increase in scooter-related injuries. Chicago resident Mary Fraction rented scooters with her family in the West Loop. She hit a crack in the pavement and went flying off of the scooter, which landed her at a trip to the Midwest Orthopedics at Rush Thursday.
Another vaping danger: e-cigarette explodes in teen’s face
June 20, 2019, WebMD
A vape pen exploded in the face of 17-year-old Nevada boy, breaking his jaw and requiring multiple surgeries to repair the damage, according to a case report in the latest New England Journal of Medicine. The 2018 incident highlights a little-known danger of e-cigarettes — the devices can unexpectedly blow up, causing burns and severe facial damage.
Why authentic workplaces are more ethical
June, 2019, Harvard Business Review
People want to feel authentic at work. If an employee or candidate cares about the environment or access to education or being a caring parent, for example, they don’t want their professional responsibilities to interfere with these values or force them to compromise on them. This general concept has gained momentum of late because of the large number of Millennials in the workforce.
Inclined sleeper deaths rise to 50 as industry continues to sell the products
June 20, 2019, Consumer Reports
At least 50 babies are now known to have died in infant inclined sleep products such as the Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper, raising the death toll from the previous count of 37. Though Fisher-Price and Kids II have recalled their inclined sleepers, several other manufacturers continue to sell similar products that pose the same risks.
Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill lifting sidewalk restrictions on electric scooters
June 20, 2019, Fox13News
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Tuesday expanding individual cities’ authority to regulate electric scooters. Most notably, the bill lifts a restriction that limited the use of e-scooters to sidewalks. Effective immediately, riders in downtown Tampa can now ride e-scooters on streets and in bike lanes. Four separate companies have rolled out electronic scooters in recent weeks during the city’s pilot program — which launched in late May — prompting concerns from some over safety.
Consumer goods forum announces 4th edition of the Sustainable Retail Summit
June 20, 2019, PRNewswire
The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) will be hosting its annual Sustainable Retail Summit (SRS) in Berlin, Germany on 24th-25th October. This year marks the 4th edition of the two-day event, bringing together consumer goods industry experts and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices on tackling some of the key challenges facing the industry today.
Child toxic exposure bill gets governor’s signature one year after veto
June 20, 2019, VTDigger
Gov. Phil Scott signed into law legislation strengthening the state’s system for regulating toxic chemicals in children’s products, a year after he vetoed a similar bill. The legislation expands the role that the state’s health commissioner plays in the regulatory process and the decision to ban a toxic chemical. It also clarifies data collection requirements and increases the frequency with which companies need to report product information to the state.
Tariffs threaten children developmental milestone
June 20, 2019, Yahoo Finance
Strider Balance Bike creator, Ryan McFarland, shared the chilling effect 25% tariffs would have on American children’s health in his testimony before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Commission. Mr. McFarland’s objection to including children’s products in the fourth round of tariffs on Chinese goods stems from his commitment to teaching every child in America how to ride a bike.
