CPSC Acting Chair Ann Marie Buerkle: Safety Alert to Protect Children from a Deadly Gap between Doors of Home Elevators
August 1, 2019, cpsc.gov
Noting that “CPSC is aware of several tragic incidents in which children became entrapped between the doors leading to death, serious fractures, traumatic asphyxia, and lifelong injuries,” CPSC Acting Chair Ann Marie Buerkle issued a statement alerting the public to have a qualified elevator inspector for their home elevators. Her statement says, “The Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Association (AEMA) and the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) join me in warning consumers with home elevators and visitors to homes with elevators to protect small children from a deadly gap that may exist between the doors.”
Inclined sleeper recall expands to include two more products due to safety concerns
August 1, 2019, Romper
Safety concerns have led authorities to expand a recall on inclined sleepersto include additional products in a precautionary effort to protect babies from injury or death. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that two inclined sleepers sold by Disney and Eddie Bauer are being recalled after other inclined sleeper products were reported to have led to infant deaths.
Nation’s first statewide safety rating system for youth sports started in Tennessee
July 31, 2019, Fox17
As students head back to class, young athletes are also gearing up for another intense sports season. Unfortunately, that also comes with an increased risk for injuries. Experts say certain rules and regulations could potentially save a student athlete’s life. FOX 17 News has learned that the nation’s first statewide safety rating system for youth sports started right here in Tennessee.
Claim: Old Tupperware tests positive for lead and arsenic
July 31, 2019, Better Homes and Gardens
We’ve all got a stash of vintage Tupperware items lurking at the back of our cupboards. Well now one expert has issued a stern warning to consumers, which will make you think twice before using some items again. Tamara Rubin is an independent advocate for consumer goods safety who’s been testing everyday items for toxicant for a decade, and was responsible for finding lead in fidget spinners when they hit the market in 2017.
Recalls gone wrong: Free August 21 SPSP webinar on how to avoid disasters
August 6, 2019, Society of Product Safety Professionals
When a recall strikes, how you prepare and ultimately manage the situation can mean the difference between a loyal customer and the irreparable damage to your brand. Even a small recall with remote potential for an injury can have huge regulatory and product liability consequences. Often times, the biggest problem is not the recall itself but the failure to prepare for its eventuality. This lack of planning can result in a number of common missteps. The Society of Product Safety Professionals brings together experts who will discuss the top five most common missteps during a recall and the best practices to avoid them.
‘Enough is Enough’: Council member Bry calls for electric scooter moratorium
July 31, 2019, LaJollalight.com
Less than one month after the City of San Diego rolled out new electric scooter regulations, District 1 City Council member Barbara Bry called for a citywide moratorium on electric scooters, via a memo from her office issued July 26 “until we demonstrate that we can develop a fiscally responsible, well-thought-out plan that ensures public and environmental safety.”
Attorneys general urge Congress to act on “forever chemicals”
July 30, 2019, Boston Globe
Calling on Congress to reduce toxic chemicals in drinking water, Attorney General Maura Healey joined her counterparts in 21 states Tuesday in urging federal lawmakers to pass legislation to help states address their threat to public health. The manmade chemicals, known as PFAS, are widespread and have been used for decades in products such as flame retardants, pans, pizza boxes, clothing, and furniture.
How to create a compass for ethical AI
July 31, 2019, Diginomica
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will have a significant impact on the enterprise. By increasing efficiencies and improving data-driven insights, they will bring fundamental improvements to the way we work and live. But what are the ethical considerations surrounding these powerful new tools?
EU to Expand Lead Restrictions Under REACH
August 1, 2019, In Compliance
The European Union (EU) has announced its plans to expand the scope of lead restrictions under the EU’s Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (also known and the REACH Regulation). In a Notification submitted to the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Commission proposed to amend a portion of Annex XVII of the Regulation dealing with lead restrictions.
Audi ex-CEO is charged with fraud in VW diesel cheating scandal
July 31, 2019, Los Angeles Times
Prosecutors in Germany charged former Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler with fraud and other offenses, accusing the disgraced manager of continuing to sell cars with manipulated engines even after the scandal burst into the open in late 2015. Stadler, who was charged alongside three others, was detained for months last year after concerns he may have tampered with a witness
Product standards and safety marking post-Brexit
August 1, 2019, In Compliance
The United Kingdom’s House of Commons has released a briefing paper that addresses product safety testing and marking issues in a “no-deal” post-Brexit scenario. Published in mid-June, the paper begins with the premise that, unless a separation agreement between the UK and the European Union (EU) is reached prior to the October 31st deadline, safety marks issued by UK-based notified bodies will no longer be recognized by EU authorities post-Brexit. In such a situation, UK-based suppliers will be required to have their products tested by an EU-based notified body prior to placing them on the EU market.
