CPSC Warns Consumers in Tropical Storm Barry’s Path to Take Precautions When Using Portable Generators
July 12, 2019, cpsc.gov
Tropical Storm Barry could become the first hurricane of the season before its expected landfall in Louisiana Saturday morning. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers to take precautions. Consumers need to be especially careful during power outages, as the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire increase.
Cities grapple with how to regulate e-scooters
July 10, 2019, Washington Times
In San Diego over the holiday weekend, police handed out nearly 100 citations to electric scooter users, while a TV broadcast of a man riding one with an infant in a baby carrier strapped onto him sparked outrage. Across the country, cities are grappling with the increasing number of e-scooter sharing programs and the regulatory challenges posed by the vehicles. “First off, they need to learn to slow down when they’re on the sidewalk,” said Tye Shipman, a tourist in Washington, D.C., where nearly 1 in 6 residents used e-scooters in the past year, according to a recent poll.
Syracuse, N.Y., Sees big promise in e-bike launch
July 10, 2019, Government Technology
A fleet of bright seafoam green e-bikes hit the streets of Syracuse Tuesday, and Mayor Ben Walsh was one of the first to take one out for a spin, donning a helmet as he rode to the public celebration in front of the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. A bike-share program has been on Walsh’s agenda since he took office in January 2018. The road to the debut of the Gotcha Bike Sync system included investment in new bike lanes and research on how to make the system work for Central New York. “Not everyone has a car that they can drive around wherever they want,” Walsh said during the official ribbon cutting with Gotcha Bike officials Tuesday evening. “In order to provide a range of options, having a bike share program was a critical part of our transportation priorities.”
Thompson announces advancement of Portable Fuel Safety Container Act
July 11, 2019, Lake County News
Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that his bipartisan bill, the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act, was passed unanimously by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee at Wednesday’s markup. This bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a standard requiring Flame Mitigation Devices to be used to prevent fire accidents.
What Amazon product liability lawsuits mean for e-commerce giant’s business
July 10, 2019, Fox Business News
A pair of recent court rulings allowing consumers to sue AmazonOpens a New Window. over defective products could create some short-term concerns for the e-commerceOpens a New Window. giant and its third-party marketplace, but the trend is unlikely to have a major impact on the platform’s business model.
7 Toxic chemicals hiding in your waterproof stain-resistant and wrinkle-free clothes
July 11, 2019, Stamford Advocate
Your clothes probably aren’t killing you, but they could contain some unpleasant chemicals.
Modern clothing is often formulated and treated with compounds that help soften them or prevent them from getting stained, wrinkled, or soggy. Those same compounds have been linked to adverse health effects such as skin irritation, developmental issues, and even cancer.
Take a look at some of the common chemicals lurking in your jeans, T-shirts, and workout clothes, among other items.
Blog: Lawmaking for the Internet of Things
July 12, 2019, JDSupra
Internet-connected devices contributing to the Internet of Things (IoT) are projected to exceed 50 billion devices by 2025, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection in its June 2018 comments on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s notice of public hearing and request for written comments on “The Internet of Things and Consumer Product Hazards.”
New EU Market Surveillance Regulation adopted
June 28, 2019, Steptoe
On June 25, 2019, Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and compliance of products was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (the Market Surveillance Regulation). The new Market Surveillance Regulation is part of the “Goods package” which also contained the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mutual recognition of goods lawfully marketed in another member state, adopted in March 2019 (the Mutual Recognition Regulation).
What the high rate of CEO turnover teaches executives about ethics
July 11, 2019, JDSupra
According to the latest PwC CEO Success study, more CEOs were dismissed in the last calendar year for ethical lapses than for financial performance or conflicts with the board.
The PwC study offers some explanation; it suggests both societal and governance influences, including “more aggressive intervention by regulatory and law enforcement authorities.” It also highlights the growing momentum behind the #MeToo movement, supported in part by “zero-tolerance” stances adopted by Boards of Directors.
Canada: Product Liability
July 11, 2019, Mondaq.com
One of a manufacturer’s greatest worries is an unexpected call about an accident and injuries involving its product. When product liability claims arise, they require a calm and quick assessment of legal liability, corporate reputation and insurance coverage. This article offers some considerations for manufacturers and distributors and some practical suggestions for managing and avoiding expensive and reputation or relationship damaging product liability claims. Knowing your potential exposure to liability and having a plan to deal with product liability claims before they arise will help preserve your company’s reputation and minimize the costs associated with a claim.
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital: Follow bicycle helmet safety
July 11, 2019, Reformer
Long summer days filled with sunshine are perfect for a family outing. Kids and parents alike are will be taking their bikes off the hooks and filling up the tires. Before hitting the road, don’t forget the most important piece of equipment: your helmet. More children between the ages of 5 and 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport. Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent, yet only 45 percent of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet. Helmet use is the most effective way to reduce bicycle related fatalities.
