New safety feature on portable generators could save lives, Consumer Reports tests show
August 28, 2019, Consumer Reports
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, some new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, and some also have engines that emit less CO in the first place. Recent CR test data show that these safety features are likely to save lives.
CPSC issues carbon monoxide warning to consumers in the path of Hurricane Dorian
August 28, 2019, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing an important warning about the lethal hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers in Hurricane Dorian’s path who may soon be relying on portable generators for temporary electrical power. Consumers in the path of the storm need to be especially careful during power outages and take the proper precautions to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning while using portable generators, which emit carbon monoxide as exhaust.
92% of apparel from China will be hit with tariffs – here’s how retailers are coping
August 30, 2019, CNBC
While some Chinese apparel imports will have a delay until December 15 before tariffs are introduced, 91.6% of Chinese apparel imports will still be hit with a 15% tariff beginning Sept. 1, according to new data breakdowns from the American Apparel and Footwear Association. The group also said 68.4% of home textiles and 52.5% of footwear will also begin to see tariffs on Sept. 1. The remaining imports in these categories will be levied 15% on Dec. 15. “It has been, and will be, extremely difficult to move this amount of product due to capacity limitations in other countries, the need to build new relationships to ensure compliance with various product safety and labor regulations, and the fact that every industry is being asked to move at the same time,” AAFA executive vice president Stephen Lamar said in an email.
Grieving CT mother, Blumenthal, advocate for stronger furniture safety standards
August 29, 2019, New Haven Register
A grieving Stamford, CT mother spoke along side of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., advocating for a stronger, mandatory stability standard for furniture. Blumenthal has introduced the Stop Tip-Overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth, or Sturdy, Act, which would mandate safety standards for furniture manufacturers, instead of leaving the institution of such standards up to the company.He said there is a need to improve safety, noting a child is injured by a piece of furniture tipping over every 17 minutes in the United States.
Brexit Backstop: No longer sacrosanct for EU, insists Boris Johnson
August 28, 2019, The Times
Boris Johnson believes that the EU no longer sees the Irish backstop as “sacrosanct”, amid growing momentum for a potential sector-by-sector Brexit deal.However, any agreement with Brussels could lead to a showdown with hardline Brexiteers, No 10 made clear yesterday. A number of so-called “Spartans”, including David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, have said they want further changes to the withdrawal agreement beyond the removal of the backstop, an insurance policy to keep the Irish border open.
Opinion: How to get electric scooters right this time
August 30, 2019, Red and Black (University of Georgia)
When electric scooters descended on the University of Georgia and Athens last year, they were a public nuisance. After only a few days, UGA began impounding scooters on campus. By the end of the year, the Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission placed a temporary ban on the scooters. However, the fleet may soon take flight once more. On Aug. 23, the Athens Banner-Herald reported that the ACC Commission could soon release plans for a pilot project to allow rental scooters in Athens.
Statement of Commissioner Robert S. Adler and Commissioner Elliot F. Kaye Regarding Petition CP 18-2: Labeling Requirements Regarding Slip Resistance of Floor Coverings
August 6, 2019, cpsc.gov
On July 26, 2019, the Commission by a vote of 3-2 denied a second petition by the National Floor Safety Institute (NSFI) to require manufacturers of floor coverings and coatings to label their products’ slip resistance in accordance with an ANSI standard for floor coverings.[1] We voted to grant the petition because we believe that slips and falls on floors remain a serious public health hazard, and there is sufficient information at this stage upon which to open a rulemaking proceeding under section 27(e) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).[2]
Blog: CDC studies scooter injuries and it’s not pretty
August 29, 2019, Atlanta Journal Constitution
Critics of electric scooters have complained they’re a menace to public safety since they began appearing on Atlanta streets more than a year ago. A string of recent fatal scooter accidents has fueled those complaints.
Comprehensive e-scooter accident and injury data are hard to come by, in part because they’re a new phenomenon.
UK: Four thousand incidents involving electric scooters have been reported to police in just three years
August 29, 2019, Herald Publicist
There have been greater than four,000 crimes reported associated to e-scooters within the final three years. Street security campaigners have urged the federal government to take motion after hundreds of crimes, together with street site visitors collisions, anti-social behaviour and felony harm have been reported throughout the UK. It comes after Emily Hartridge, 35, a YouTube star, grew to become the primary particular person in Britain to be killed whereas driving an e-scooter when she was hit by a lorry in London.
Green Chemistry 2018-2018: A review of the year that was and predictions for the remainder of 2019
August 29, 2019, National Law Review (Keller and Heckman)
Proposed green chemistry legislation has proliferated since our last green chemistry report. While enacted legislation remains relatively rare and continues to focus principally on children’s products, consumer product manufacturers, importers, and distributors should be aware of some significant changes and upcoming deadlines as of July 29, 2019
The Secret To Building Corporate Reputation Is Integrity
August 29, 2019, Huff Post
Harman’s CEO shares her company’s approach to integrity: Harman’s ability to foster and retain customers’ trust in our products has helped the company thrive and expand over the decades to include new technology like smart products and connected services. But products and services are just one piece of the reputation equation. A positive reputation is critical to the success of all companies — from other legacy brands to innovative startups looking to make their marks. So, how can board members and other leaders bolster the reputation of their businesses?
