Johnson Health Tech Agrees to Pay $3 Million Civil Penalty for Failure to Report Defective Fitness Equipment
August 14, 2015, Reuters/PRNewswire
Wisconsin firm failed to report to CPSC a defect and unreasonable risk of serious injury with its Matrix Fitness Ascent and Elliptical Trainers, which were recalled in January 2014. Johnson Health agrees to maintain a compliance program with written standards, policies and procedures to ensure the firm’s compliance with CPSIA, including reports and complaints, are conveyed to the firm’s responsible employees, whether an injury is referenced or not. Company does not admit to CPSC staff’s charges.
Retailers Applaud CPSC for Incorporating Industry Input and Urge Continued Collaboration
August 12, 2015, RILA News Release
Retailers applaud CPSC action and willingness to work constructively with industry to achieve “our shared product safety goals.” Urges further actions. The statement issued by the Retail Industry Leaders Association follows a decision by the CPSC to approve a pilot that will require importers to electronically file five data elements for imported consumer products that will “enable the CPSC to enhance its import surveillance efforts and allow it to more accurately target noncompliant and unsafe consumer products prior to importation.”
The Prudence of Quality and Safety Analytics
August 14, 2015, The Wall Street Journal-CIO Journal
As the number of high-profile consumer product recalls skyrocket, companies are under increasing pressure to detect and respond to product quality and safety issues. Some companies respond through the leverage of advanced analytics capabilities to proactively identify quality and safety issues that might lead to a service campaign or product recall that threatens the brand’s reputation and, more importantly, human lives.
Major Flaws Found in NSW Fair Trading’s Product Safety & Recall Procedures
August 16, 2015, The Sidney Morning Herald
Audit of Australia State’s consumer watchdog by Deloitte finds impaired relationship with police, and faulty processes leading to delays, confusions, and cases falling between crack. Agency adopted all 9 recommendations in report and promises improvement.
Playground Battles: Can Safety and Adventure Co-Exist Where Children Play?
August 13, 2015, New York Observer
Nearly 35 years after the CPSC published its first set of guidelines, parents are still fighting over the appropriate balance of safety on the playground. Even in New York City, one park’s pending renovation has created exceptional rancor-one year of fighting over a single concrete step.
UL Testing Safety, Privacy Issues Related to Wearable Devices
August 13, 2015, Claims Journal
With so many questions relating to wearable device safety, Underwriters Laboratories is diving into the wearable technology area. Electrical and fire safety, long known as UL provinces, are just two of the issue that could arise from the increasingly popular devices.
The Next Revolution in Supply Chain Management
August 12, 2015, Forbes
Analyst traces supply chain developments over past 20 years and sees a new revolution based on a new generation of supply chain “control towers.” The ability to manage elements in the supply chain can support enhanced risk management capabilities and quick corrective actions, aided by a new generation of powerful IT applications that can increase preparedness for unforeseen events.
Temperature Control: The Ongoing Quest in the Food Supply Chain
August 14, 2015, Food Logistics
Change in the field of temperature control is being driven by FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), as well as the expansion of the supply chain across that globe. Moving product greater distances brings with it the potential for lapses in temperature control.
There are 2,500 Product Recalls Annually. How Can Your Company Prepare For It?
August, 2015, Business.net
One of the biggest challenges that companies might face is the possibility of a product recall. Here is a primer that might be useful for companies wanting to better understand some of the basic steps to take in the event they face implementing a recall.
