CPSC Issues New Federal Mandatory Safety Standard For Adult Portable Bed Rails
July 6, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission took action to protect older adults and other vulnerable consumers from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with entrapment by adult portable bed rails (APBRs). CPSC has identified 284 entrapment deaths involving adult portable bed rails between January 2003 and December 2021. To address the entrapment risk, and also reduce deaths and injuries resulting from falls and other adult portable bed rail hazards, the Commission voted to adopt a mandatory safety standard for these devices.
CPSC Chair and Commissioner Statements
Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric
Commissioner Mary T Boyle
Commissioner Richard Trumka
CPSC Warns Consumers To Immediately Stop Using Carolina Milano High-Powered Magnetic Balls Cubes Due To Magnet Ingestion Hazard; Seller Resists Remedy
July 6, 2023, yahoo!finance
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using Carolina Milano 5mm Magnetic Balls Cubes because the loose, hazardous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death if ingested. CPSC testing revealed the Magnetic Balls Cubes do not comply with the requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for magnets. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to other magnets, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death. The seller, CarolinaMilano.com, of Israel, is not cooperating with the CPSC on the recall of this product and is not offering a remedy to consumers.
How To Find The Time To Connect With Colleagues When You’re Very, Very Busy
June 28, 2023, Harvard Business Review
A consequence of our often-never-ending to-do lists at work is the loss of camaraderie among coworkers. While productivity is important, the balance between task completion and taking the time to connect with your team is essential in avoiding burnout, making work more enjoyable and energizing us. Increased energy improves performance and therefore proves socializing to be even more beneficial than the head down work one might prioritize over fostering connections with colleagues.
CPSC Says Drownings Are Leading Cause Of Death Among Children Ages 1-4
June 27, 2023, KXAN Simple Health
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a new report on the number of drownings. “The latest data shows drownings remain high for children under the age of 15,” said the CPSC report. “Nearly 400 children drown each year with the majority of those — about 75% — children under the age of five,” Fleming continued. The yearly report found 80% of reported fatal child drownings occurred in residential settings, home pools or at a family member, friend or neighbor’s pool.
How Countries Around The World Are Trying To Regulate Artificial Intelligence
July 4, 2023, The Week
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has stoked both fear and existential dread among industry experts and politicians alike. Although AI has immense potential, industry insiders have repeatedly warned of the technology’s dangers and called for governments to step in with regulations. Studies suggest that “efforts to regulate AI appear to be gathering pace,” the World Economic Forum stated. Data from Stanford University’s 2023 AI Index shows that 37 bills related to AI were passed into law throughout the world in 2022. While some nations are still grappling with this issue, others are implementing national regulations to monitor and keep the use and development of artificial intelligence tech in check.
Safety Tips For Air Purifiers As Canadian Wildfire Smoke Spreads In US
June 28, 2023, Fox Business
Federal safety regulators are issuing safety tips when purchasing air purifiers as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to spread into the U.S. Smoke from the wildfires is spreading throughout most of the Great Lakes region and as far as Missouri and Kentucky. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tweeted six tips for consumers to keep in mind when seeking out air purifiers. For one, the CPSC is reminding consumers that these machines should be plugged directly into a wall rather than a power strip or extension cord.
Health Canada Recalls Series Of Car Seats Manufactured In China, Sold On Temu.Com
June 27, 2023, CTV News
Health Canada has issued recall notices for several children’s car seats manufactured in China and sold online that it says have not been certified to meet Transport Canada safety regulations. The health agency says that the recalled products were manufactured in China, do not display Transport Canada’s National Safety Mark. The products have not been certified to meet the safety requirements of the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seats Safety Regulations. Health Canada warns against using these car seats due to the potentially increased risk of injury in case of a collision.
6 Ways To Boost Consumer Trust In Online Platforms
July 4, 2023, unctad.org
UNCTAD estimated in April 2022 that 60% of internet users shopped online following the start of COVID-19, compared to 53% in 2019. Top consumer-focused e-commerce platforms increased their sales value by 63% from 2019 to 2021. But consumer trust in the digital market remains fragile. “Online platforms have become central to online consumption. However, consumers are concerned about false or incomplete information and misleading advertising, unsafe online products, data protection and inadequate dispute resolution,” said Teresa Moreira, head of competition and consumer policies at UNCTAD. Here are six ways to boost consumer trust in online platforms.
Long Island Town Looks To Regulate Sale Of Uncertified Lithium Ion Battery Products
July 6, 2023, RiverheadLOCAL
The sale of lithium-ion battery products — including e-bikes and electric scooters — would be limited in Riverhead Town under a proposed local law that aims to reduce the chance of fires caused by faulty batteries. The proposed town code amendment would require that lithium-ion batteries, chargers and adapters sold in the town be certified by Underwriters Laboratories. Battery brands tested to Underwriters Laboratories standards display a ‘UL’ mark on their packaging. Under Riverhead’s proposed code, retailers would be subject to a civil penalty of $500 to $1,000 per violation.
Horizon Research Deal With EU Awaits PM Sunak’s Signature
July 6, 2023, BBC
A deal for the UK’s association with the EU’s €100bn (£85bn) Horizon research and innovation program has been negotiated, according to BBC News. The proposed arrangement is awaiting approval from the UK prime minister. If Rishi Sunak agrees, an announcement is expected after his talks with the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.
