The CPSC Promises Higher Civil Penalties And More Aggressive Enforcement
September 1, 2022, National Law Review
The consumer product industry can expect more aggressive enforcement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including higher civil penalties, increased use of criminal penalties, and the implementation of additional injunctive measures. As part of the CPSC’s self-proclaimed “reinvention” following historic lows in enforcement under the Trump Administration, civil penalties returned in 2021 after a two-year hiatus. The CPSC has continued leveraging civil penalties thus far in 2022—and leadership has expressed a commitment to support higher civil penalties, criminal penalties, and the potential use of additional injunctive measures in the future.
Consumer Product Injuries Rebound 7% In 2021 Following An 18% Decrease In 2020
August 2022, National Safety Council
Following the record low number of consumer product-related injuries reported in 2020, injuries increased 6.8% in 2021. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in the first seven months of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid the majority of shelter-in-place restrictions, visits to ERs for consumer product-related injuries fell 24%. Over the full year consumer product injuries treated in emergency departments decreased 18% in 2020 compared to 2019. Also, visits for relatively minor injuries (e.g., strains/sprains) decreased over 40%, while more severe injuries like amputations remained relatively stable.
Study: Pregnant Women Exposed To Cancer-Linked Chemicals In Household Items And Dyes
August 30, 2022, The Hill
Pregnant people are being exposed through various household products to toxic compounds that can increase the risk of cancer and harm child development, according to a new study published in Chemosphere. Four types of chemicals used in dyes, called aromatic amines, were also present in the urine of nearly all pregnant participants.
Leading With Confidence In Uncertain Times
August 30, 2022. Harvard Business Review
If you’re looking for a strategy for obtaining certainty, we have bad news for you—the world is complicated. But, if you are looking for ideas to manage the uncertain future, we have good news. Here are five tools for thriving in an uncertain world.
California lawmakers pass landmark children’s online safety bill
August 30, 2022, Washington Post
California state lawmakers passed a major children’s online safety measure that would require digital platforms to vet whether new products may pose harm to kids and teens before rolling them out and to offer privacy guardrails to younger users by default. Children’s safety advocates say the legislation,the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, would make the state a national leader in setting protections for kids and teens online. Its passage is part of a growing push nationwide to hold tech companies like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat accountable for how their services may affect children’s mental health and safety.
What’s The Difference Between An Infant ‘Sleeper’ And A ‘Rocker’?
September 1, 2022, Consumer Reports
Lawmakers from the House Oversight Committee recently sent a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The letter asked questions about the agency’s latest proposed rule on infant sleep products and how the agency plans to interpret a new ban on certain inclined infant products.
Company Says 230K Polaris Snowmobiles At Risk Of Fire, Need Safety Fix
August 31, 2022, Fox Business
Off-road vehicle manufacturer Polaris has alerted users to a potential fire risk on multiple snowmobile models. Polaris documented at least 30 reports of ruptured fuel tanks. Of those, 16 reportedly resulted in a fire with one report of injury. The company said it is “currently evaluating a comprehensive action plan to correct this concern at no cost to consumers and will contact affected consumers once determined.”
Amusement Park Regulation’s Bumpy Ride
August 31, 2022, The Regulatory Review
Who makes sure amusement park rides are safe? In what might be a surprise to riders, most amusement park rides are not federally regulated. Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission oversees mobile amusement rides and carnival attractions that travel from state to state, fixed-site amusement ride regulation, like those at theme parks, is left to the states.
Maine Makes A Bold Move In Banning Most PFAS-Containing Products
August 30, 2022, JD Supra
Last month, the Maine legislature introduced broad and sweeping restrictions on a range of products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”). These restrictions are some of the most comprehensive in the country, and, in effect, would ban PFAS in almost all products in the state by 2030. Specifically, the law mandates that on January 1, 2030, “a person may not sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale” products where PFAS have been “intentionally added,” except in cases of “unavoidable use.”
CPSC To Hold Workshop On Beta Testing Of E-filing Compliance Data For Imported Consumer Products
August 31, 2022, National Law Review
In a notice published in the Federal Register on August 8, 2022, Consumer Product Safety Commission staff announced that the CPSC will hold a workshop on October 13, 2022, to discuss CPSC’s eFiling Program and the Commission’s plans for a joint Beta Pilot Test with Customs and Border Protection.
10 Smart — Not Soft — Skills For Leaders
August 15, 2022, MIT Sloan Management SchoolSince the 1970s when the U.S. Army actively began training soldiers in “important job-related skills that involve little or no interaction with machines,” organizations have cultivated soft skills among their leadership and teams.. But after 50 years of categorizing qualities like problem solver, strong communicator, and good listener as “soft,” it’s time for a change, according to MIT Sloan international faculty fellow Loredana Padurean.
You Probably Have “Forever Chemicals” In Your Body. Here’s What That Means.
August 26, 2022, VOX
Right now, you likely have something unnatural lurking inside your body. It was made by a large corporation and could potentially harm you. Known colloquially as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a large group of chemicals that make certain products nonstick or stain resistant. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancers, weakened immune systems among children, weight gain, and a wide range of other health problems.
Smoke Alarm Raises Concerns; Office Of State Fire Marshall Discontinues Distribution
August 31, 2022, America’s News Hub
The State Insurance Commissioner and the State Fire Marshal warned fire departments and residents across North Carolina today about concerns relating to Universal smoke alarms.
The current issue with Universal smoke alarms had come to the attention of the Office of State Fire Marshal as a result of reports from fire chiefs and the diligence of the professionals and volunteers installing the alarms.
