E- Scooter Safety Under The Microscope
August 8, 2024, Alexandria Gazette Packet
E-scooters and e-bikes are part of the transportation equation now and that also means they are part of the road hazard rate too. A Consumer Product Safety Commission study done in late 2023 shows that the injury rate on “micromobility” items like scooters and bicycles goes up each year by about 20 percent. At first look, scooter riders are flawlessly gliding along, steering clear of obstacles without a care in the world, but it’s not that easy. “Studies have shown that first-time riders especially are getting injured,” said the narrator of a Consumer Product Safety Commission video “Scooter Safety 101.”
Analysis: Game Change – Amazon.Com Is Legally Responsible For Third-Party Seller Recalls (For Now)
August 8, 2024, National Law Review
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a Decision and Order against Amazon. The CPSC found that Amazon is a “distributor” of third-party products, as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), and therefore bears legal responsibility for recalls of products sold on the platform. The Commission determined that Amazon failed to notify the public about these hazardous products and did not take adequate steps to encourage its customers to return or destroy them. This decision is now subject to judicial review, which Amazon can seek in a federal district court. Although this case is highly fact-specific, if it is upheld on judicial review, it may have a profound effect on the responsibilities and role of third-party platforms in consumer product safety issues, according to an analysis by Sherwet H. Witherington and Charles A. Samuels of Mintz.
Five Tips For Writing Meaningful Thank-You Notes
August 8, 2024, Harvard Business Review
Thank-you notes are a powerful professional tool for leaders. The author — a senior communications professional at Pfizer — shares her experiences learning about the power of thank-you notes from her high-powered mentor and seeing how it benefitted their business, professional relationships, and personal well-being. She also posits five principles of thank-you note-writing: Take time to reflect; thank those who are often forgotten; be specific; make it matter; and it’s never too late.
Back To The PFuture: Required Reporting Of Historical PFAS Use Poses Risks Going Forward
August 6, 2024, JD Supra
The Environmental Protection Agency recently established a one-time per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) reporting rule pursuant to the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Most companies that manufactured or imported certain PFAS chemicals or PFAS-containing “articles” from 2011 through 2022 (even if only once) must submit detailed information about those PFAS subject to the rule, compound by compound, to EPA by May 8, 2025. Virtually every domestic manufacturer and importer of consumer or industrial materials is now subject to this new reporting requirement. The scope and definitions of key terms in the rule (e.g. manufacture) are nuanced and compliance obligations should be evaluated carefully.
Iowa AG Petitions EPA To Prevent California From Requiring A Warning Label On Weedkiller
August 8, 2024, Des Moines Register
Iowa and California, which have warred over the coastal state’s regulations on pork and egg production, are girding for battle again, this time over the California’s efforts to require warnings labels on a popular weed killer. Iowa, Nebraska and nine other states filed a petition with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asking it to adopt a rule preventing states like California from adding warning labels to chemicals that exceed the federal agency’s findings about their potential hazards.
Australian Authorities Warning Two Children’s Products Could Cause Severe Injury Or Death
August 6, 2024, 9news.com.au
A safety warning has been issued for two baby products that could cause severe injuries or even death. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating the safety of aftermarket children’s car seat head straps and baby bottle self-feeding devices following reports of consumer safety concerns.
Maine Seeks Comments On Concept Draft Language For PFAS In Products Rule
August 7, 2024, National Law Review
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) announced on August 5, 2024, that its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Products Program has developed new concept draft language to implement the recently amended Title 38, Section 1614, the section addressing PFAS in products. MDEP has made the concept draft language available for an informal outreach process until August 30, 2024. After the informal outreach process, MDEP plans to proceed with rulemaking in fall 2024. According to MDEP, there will be an opportunity for public comment on a proposed draft rule during the rulemaking process.
Boeing Workers Allege Culture Of Rushed Work, Low Safety Standards
August 6, 2024, Supply Chain Brain
Two days of planned testimony spanning 20 hours included executives with Boeing and its supplier Spirit AeroSystems. Part of that also included the release of hundreds of pages of interview transcripts from workers with both Boeing and Spirit, who described a culture of rushed work, low safety standards, and frequent discord between the planemaker and supplier.
EPA Strengthens The Safer Choice Standard For Commercial And Household Cleaning Products
August 8, 2024, U.S. EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized updates to strengthen the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) Standard, which identifies the requirements that products and their ingredients must meet to earn EPA’s Safer Choice label or DfE logo. These updates strengthen the criteria products must meet to qualify for the voluntary Safer Choice label, supporting the use of safer chemicals in the marketplace. The Safer Choice program makes it easier for consumers and purchasers for facilities like schools and office buildings to find cleaners, detergents and other products made with safer chemical ingredients. Similarly, the DfE program helps people find disinfectants that meet high standards for public health and the environment.
Guitar String Lubricant Recalled For Skin Irritation Risk
August 8, 2024, WPIR.com
More than 21,000 cans of guitar string lubricant are being recalled due to a skin irritation risk, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Finger-Ease Guitar String Lubricant is believed to be contaminated. There has been one report of minor skin irritation. The guitar string lubricant is a clear aerosol spray sold in a white steel can with a black cap.
