CPSC Chair Hoehn-Saric Addresses Annual ICPHSO Product Safety Conference
February 20, 2024, Crowell
Chair Hoehn-Saric first set the stage by sharing some important data points. In 2023, the CPSC announced more than 300 product recalls; levied more than $52 million in civil penalties; engaged in 14 new mandatory safety standard rulemakings; screened more than 60,000 harmful products at the ports; and participated in numerous safety education campaigns. He noted the budget uncertainty at the CPSC and the need to “do more with less.” He stated that the CPSC will always “put consumers first” as they prioritize their work should the CPSC budget decrease. Chair Hoehn-Saric ended his conference remarks by noting that he was “encouraged” by bi-partisan Congressional efforts to improve product safety.
Nearly 1,000 Reports Of Glass Doors On Ovens Unexpectedly Shattering
February 20, 2024, KSBY TV
Over 900 reports of glass oven doors shattering or exploding have been filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) since 2018. The agency says the complaints include many different oven brands and models. The CPSC says there have been no serious injuries. They note “there are standards in place for consumer products that use glass which should lead to the glass breaking in nuggets, not shards.” Some cases occurred when the ovens were not even in use.
How Co-Leaders Succeed
February 22, 2024, Harvard Business Review
Co-leadership can result in more creative and strategic problem solving and wiser decision making. But it can also lead to unhealthy game playing in the pursuit of dominance and positioning for the next role. It doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to become a political animal who spends their days looking to outmaneuver their co-leader. Instead, perform this role with integrity, canniness, and positivity, recognizing that it will feel uncomfortable at times. These seven strategies will increase your chances of making your co-leadership a success.
ICPHSO Announces Recipient Of 2024 Ross Koeser Achievement Award
February 14, 2024, EIN Presswires
The International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization announced that member, volunteer, Ex-Officio Board Member and frequent speaker on global regulatory issues, Contino Pinuccia is the 2024 Ross Koeser Achievement Award recipient. Pinuccia is the Deputy to the Director for Consumers & Head of the Product Safety and Rapid Alert System Unit, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST), Brussels, Belgium. The award, given annually recognizes an ICPHSO member for their significant contributions to the organization. It was presented to Pinuccia by Rod Freeman.
European Product Recalls Break Records For Fifth Consecutive Year In 2023
February 22, 2024, Sedgwick Claims Management Service
European product recalls increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2023, recording 12,498 total events. According to Sedgwick brand protection’s 2024 European State of the Nation Recall Index report, this represents an 18.5% increase over the previous record of 10,545 events, which was set in 2022. The surge in European product recalls experienced in 2023 was driven by an increase in events in the consumer products (+49.1%), medical device (+20.0%), pharmaceutical (+7.7%), and food and drink (+7.0%) industries.
Understanding California Proposition 65: Implications And Compliance Guidelines
February 2024, Fiber2Fashon
California Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Businesses operating in California, whether manufacturers, retailers, or distributors, are subject to Proposition 65 if their products contain any of the listed chemicals. Failure to comply with Proposition 65 can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $2,500 per day per violation.
Seminole County Government Receives Safety Grant Aimed At Preventing Drownings
February 20, 2024, WFTV 9
The Seminole County Government recently received a grant of nearly $200,000 meant to improve pool safety and reduce the occurrence of drownings locally. Seminole County is one of only eight governments across the country selected to receive a chunk of more than $2 million in Pool Safety Grant Program funds awarded through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages one to four in Florida,” Seminole County Commissioner Amy Lockhart said in a statement. “We are extremely thankful to the Consumer Product Safety Commission for this grant that will help expand drowning prevention initiatives in Seminole County and keep our residents and visitors safe.”
National Bike Industry Organization Urges Changes To Oregon E-Bike Bill
February 22, 2024, BikePortland
The debate around electric bikes at the Oregon Legislature is heating up. House Bill 4103 has split opinions among cycling advocates. Now the debate has escalated to a national level as industry group People for Bikes has entered the fray. PFB has written a letter to leaders of the Joint Committee on Transportation urging lawmakers to make several key changes to the bill. The letter says Oregon is at risk of falling out of alignment with federal regulations if the bill does not include language in its definition of “electric bicycle” that clearly stipulates a maximum motor size of 750 watts and the presence of pedals.
Are Bicycle Helmets DOT Approved? Safety Essentials Unveiled
February 21, 2024, Safest Guide
Bicycle safety is paramount for riders of all ages and skill levels. A vital component of this safety gear is the helmet. While searching for a reliable bicycle helmet, it’s essential to understand the certifications that ensure its effectiveness. Unlike motorcycle helmets, which adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, bicycle helmets comply with criteria established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States. Other internationally recognized standards include those by Snell and ASTM, which focus on rigorous testing to guarantee the helmet’s protective qualities. It is crucial for consumers to check for these certifications when choosing a helmet to ensure maximum safety while cycling.
Legislation To Require E-Bikes, E-Scooters To Be Insured In NJ Moves Forward
February 20, 2024, NBC 10 Philadelphia
Elected officials in New Jersey recently favorably moved legislation through committee that would see the state require riders of e-bikes and scooters to register these vehicle with the motor vehicle commission and have them insured. The New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee moved legislation forward that would require the owners of low-speed electric bicycles or low-speed electric scooters to register them with the state — and pay an $8 registration fee — and have insurance coverage for liability, personal injury and uninsured motorists.
