Apple Updates Airtag Warning Labels Under CPSC Pressure
December 29, 2025, NBC Right Now
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reached an agreement with Apple to enhance safety warnings on AirTags. This action aims to protect children from the dangers of battery ingestion. The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to Apple, alleging that AirTags imported after March 19, 2024, did not comply with Reese’s Law. This law requires specific warning labels for products with button cell or coin batteries to prevent life-threatening ingestion by children. Apple has also updated the instructions in the Find My app. Now, every time a user changes an AirTag battery, they will see a warning about the hazards of button and coin cell batteries.

Commissioner Trumka’s Statement

Mexico: Three Million ‘Knockoff’ Household Products And Electronics Made In Asia Confiscated
December 27, 2024, Border Report
A sting operation conducted by the Mexican federal government in Ensenada, about 60 miles south of the border, resulted in the confiscation of three million Asian-made items. Mexican officials are calling it a record haul of ‘contraband’ products ranging from perfumes to toys to electronics to cleaning materials. It’s all part of Operación Limpieza, or Operation Cleaning, recently announced by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of the Economy, to rid the county of fake products.

When Your Team Bypasses You To Get Things Done
December 4, 2025, Harvard Business Review
Although the rigid, “command-and-control” style of leadership has largely been replaced by more collaborative approaches, structures and processes remain essential, particularly in organizations where a lack of alignment can impact far more than just personal credibility. By addressing employee bypassing behaviors with empathy, clarity, and consistency, leaders can strengthen accountability and cohesion while emphasizing the importance of organizational structure. Ultimately, this proactive leadership approach fosters a collaborative, empowered, and high-performing team that remains aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.

CPSC: Secure TIANQIU Alkaline Button Cell Battery Packs Due To Battery Ingestion Hazard
January 2, 2025, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately move TIANQIU AG4 and AG6 alkaline button cell batteries to a secure storage location away from children. The packaging is not child resistant as required by Reese’s Law. Reese’s Law and CPSC regulations that implement it establish performance and warning label requirements for consumer products with button/coin cell batteries to protect children from life threatening ingestion. The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the importer, East Sun Wholesale Inc., of Hialeah, Florida. East Sun Wholesale has not agreed to recall these battery packs or offer a remedy to consumers. 

California Expands Proposition 65 Listing Of BPS As New Warning Requirements Take Effect
December 27, 2024, ArentFoxSchiff
On December 29, 2023, bisphenol S (BPS) was added to the California Proposition 65 list as a female reproductive toxicant. Therefore, thewarningrequirement for products presenting a “significant exposure” to BPS is about to go into effect one year later, on December 29, 2024. Since OEHHA has not yet established a safe harbor level for BPS, almost any detectable level of BPS in a product may be considered as presenting a “significant exposure.”

New California Law Makes Crystal Clear Which Electric Bikes Are Now ‘Illegal’
January 2, 2025, electrek
California has led the nation in electric bicycle adoption, helping more people switch from cars toward smaller and more efficient transportation alternatives. However, the proliferation of electric bicycles has also led to a major uptick in higher-power models that have flouted established e-bike laws. A new law that has come into effect has now further clarified which electric bicycles are street legal and which fall afoul of regulations. The legislation is meant to address the growing number of high-powered electric bikes, many of which use traditional electric bicycle components, but are capable of achieving higher speeds and power levels.

Does Current Ethics Training Enhance Organizational Integrity?
January 2025, Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics
The world is changing rapidly, and old ways of leading will not take us where we need to go—especially due to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Therefore, traditional models of leadership development and ethics training are no longer sufficient to address the complexities and pressures of today’s business environment. As organizations increasingly prioritize ESG criteria, there is a pressing need to rethink how we approach ethics training. The core of this transformation lies not just in developing skills but also in fostering a deep, personal commitment to ethical behavior through self-awareness and conscious leadership. Today’s leaders can’t focus solely on what they do; they also need to question why they do it. 

Company Official Charged In 2022 Oil-Chemical Discharge Into Flint River
January 2, 2025, Gandernewsroom.com
The president of a chemical company has been charged in connection with the unauthorized discharge of oil that left a miles-long dark, oily sheen on the Flint River in Michigan more than two years ago. Rajinder Singh Minhas, 60, of Rochester, Michigan, was arrested and arraigned late last month on charges of falsely altering a public record, substantial endangerment to the public, discharge of injurious substance to waters of the state, false statements and omissions regarding air pollution control and other charges, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press release.

Right-To-Repair Laws: The Trend Continues
December 27, 2024, Morrison Forester (JD Supra)
Interest in the “right-to-repair” movement continues to grow, as a number of states propose new legislation in this realm for consumer electronics, with five states successfully enacting such laws. But these laws are not uniform; they focus on different right-to-repair principles, protect different classes of consumers, and exempt products from different industries. Affected businesses must stay abreast of the intricacies of each jurisdiction’s law, including its scope, applicability, and enforcement mechanism, to avoid potential penalties for noncompliance.

Child Critically Injured: Woman Hurt In Maryland Blaze Sparked By Fire Pit
December 31, 2024, Laurel
A 9-year-old child and a woman were injured in a fire caused by an indoor ignitable liquid flame kit designed for making S’mores. Investigators determined the fire was accidental and caused by an indoor ignitable liquid flame kit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission had issued a warning earlier this month about similar products following multiple deaths and serious burn injuries. “Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, ethanol/bioethanol, and similar liquid fuels burn with flame temperatures over 1,600°F and can cause third-degree burns in less than one second,” CPSC officials said. 

As Winter Weather Impacts Millions, CPSC Issues Safety Tips To Help Families Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning And Fires
January 3, 2025, cpsc.gov
As winter weather impacts much of the country this week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to take steps to protect themselves from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fires. 

CPSC Approves New Safety Standard For Nursing Pillows
December 4, 2024, Morrison & Foerster (JD Supra)
On September 18, 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) unanimously approved a new mandatory standard for nursing pillows designed to address risks presented by suffocation, entrapment, and fall hazards associated with these products. All nursing pillows manufactured for sale will need to meet the new requirements 180 days after their publication in the Federal Register. This new mandatory safety standard imposes a number of requirements, including testing, design, and labeling requirements. Under the new rules, nursing pillows with plush surfaces must be tested to ensure they won’t conform to an infant’s face or suffocate a sleeping child. In addition, the regulations require a prominent warning label on all nursing pillows warning consumers of the risk of injury if the product is not used properly.

The EU Is Pushing For Stricter E-Scooter Safety Standards
December 5, 2024, rideapart.com
For many people around the world, electric scooters and other small e-mobility devices have changed their lives. But as is always the case when it comes to all things mobility, a balance between safety and convenience always has to be struck. Up until now, rules and regulations surrounding the use of e-scooters have been inconsistent and confusing at best. This is where the ETSC, or the European Transport Safety Council steps in, as it now calls for the development of mandatory requirements for all e-scooters sold in the European Union. For starters, all e-scooters should include a speed limiter set at 20 kilometers per hour (around 12.4 miles per hour). Minimum braking and maximum acceleration parameters will also be set.

When You Have Two Bosses — And They Don’t Talk To Each Other
December 6, 2024, Harvard Business Review
There’s no question that managing up to multiple bosses isn’t easy. But the very things that make it challenging — navigating different communication styles, negotiating workloads, building consensus — are exactly the skills that will set you apart in your career if you play it right. Here are strategies for what to do when you’re caught between two leaders who don’t talk to each other: 1) Spot the sneaky signs of disconnection. 2) Get ahead of conflicts 3) Bring visibility to the decision-making process. 4) Be the bridge. 5) Make the costs clear.

UK Small Firms Brace For New EU Product Safety Rules, Call For Better Export Support
December 5, 2024, Direct Commerce
The EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation, which will come into effect on 13 December. According to Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the UK Federation of Small Businesses, “The EU’s upcoming General Product Safety Regulation will be a real barrier to international trade for some of our small firms looking to export to EU member states. Our latest research shows 37 per cent of current exporters rank information on specific issues, including product safety rules and customs as the most beneficial sources when entering or exploring entry to a new market.”

California Bill Proposes Silica Safety Standards For Counter Manufacturers
December 5, 2024, Business Insurance
A bill introduced ahead of the 2025 legislative session in California aims to protect workers in stonecutting shops from exposure to respirable crystalline silica. S.B. 20 would require the use of wet methods to cut stone slab products for countertops and other projects. The bill would authorize the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health to issue immediate stop-work orders to companies cutting stone slabs using dry methods. The bill would also direct the Department of Public Health to adopt a training curriculum for safe fabrication activities and implement a process to certify that a person has completed the training.

Defense Insights As PFAS Consumer Product Claims Rise
November 26, 2024, Farella Brun + Martel (JD Supra)
The third wave of PFAS litigation has arrived. A few years ago, PFAS complaints based on violations of consumer protection statutes were in their nascency.  Recently, there has been a proliferation of lawsuits brought by consumers seeking damages for failure to disclose the presence of PFAS in various consumer products. To be prepared for these types of claims, consumer product companies should make sure they know the composition of their products and the potential sources of PFAS in their supply chains. They should also understand the latest scientific and technical issues involved in sampling and testing for PFAS. Manufacturers should also consider the risks of federal and state laws that require reporting as the data these reporting laws generate could be used by plaintiffs in future litigation.

New Colorado Law Will Take Effect January 1, 2025 To Keep Kids Safe
December 4, 2024, Colorado Department of Transportation
On June 4, 2024, Gov. Jared Polis signed a new bill that updates Colorado’s child restraint system law for the first time in 14 years. The updates reflect the latest research and recommendations on child passenger safety, ensuring that the laws keep pace with evolving best practices. Key Child Passenger Safety Law Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2025 The Colorado Department of Transportation will launch an awareness campaign in January to ensure that Coloradans are aware of the new updates to the laws. Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the U.S., according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

CPSC Reports Toy Hazard Injuries
December 4, 2024, Fountain Hills Times Independent
A report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is highlighting the importance of safety when buying and playing with kids’ toys – even for older children. The commission’s Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report found there were 11 deaths, and an estimated 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 associated with toys for children 12 years and younger. Consumers should not only “think safety” about what they buy for children but should also be vigilant about where gifts are purchased, especially online. As e-commerce retailing continues to grow year-over-year for holiday sales, Commission Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric is urging caution when turning to online retail outlets.  “Consumers expect the products they purchase online to be as safe as those they buy in brick-and-mortar stores,” Hoehn-Saric said. “While this is true when buying online directly from a manufacturer, purchasing from an online marketplace that services other sellers raises additional risks. Consumers need to educate themselves not only about what they buy, but where and from whom. It’s important not to sacrifice safety.” 

Tip-Overs In Consumer Report Tests
December 3, 2024, KSDK.com (YouTube video)
Each year, thousands of children are injured after pulling furniture down on themselves. Consumer Reports puts an easy, affordable fix to the test.

Johns Hopkins: Preventing Injuries And Staying Safe In Winter
December 4, 2024, Johns Hopkins University
As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, we brace for colder weather and shorter days that have more people spending time indoors. And while for many the season brings cozy holiday celebrations and the occasional snow day, winter can also bring risks for home fires, weather-related injuries, and car crashes. “In the injury prevention field, we believe that every injury should be preventable,” says Elise Omaki, senior research associate in Health Policy and Management and director of outreach at the Center for Injury Research and Policy. To help you prevent injuries this winter, Omaki and her colleagues explain common causes of injury and death in winter and offer tips to prevent them.

Toronto: Votes To Ban Lithium-Ion-Powered E-Bikes And Scooters In Winter Months
December 3, 2024, CBC
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) board of directors has approved a new seasonal ban on lithium-ion battery-powered micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. In a six-to-four vote, the board approved a staff recommendation to ban the devices onboard TTC subways, streetcars and buses as well as in stations and other facilities. The ban will be in place annually between Nov. 15 and April 15. Officials noted the ban wouldn’t apply to persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices to get around.

Bipartisan Panel Urges Congress To Toss Out Decades Of Trade Policy
November 19, 2024, Fox News
A federal China commission released its sprawling yearly report to Congress. For the first time the report recommends lawmakers end China’s favored trade status and the provision that allows goods under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is now directly advocating for Congress to end the Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) China has enjoyed since 2004. “In our hearing on the threats to American consumers this year we heard from administration and expert witnesses who were starkly clear: U.S. agencies do not know if the majority of packages coming from China include a baby toy painted with a toxic chemical—a counterfeit piece of clothing made with slave labor—or a pin head amount of fentanyl which is enough to kill the average citizen,” Commission Chair Robin Cleveland said. 

New York State Lawmakers Eye Limiting PFAS
November 21, 2024, Spectrum 1 News
State lawmakers want to strengthen laws prohibiting PFAS that have been found to poison ground and drinking water — and officials on both sides of the aisle are on board. The Legislature will consider a variety of proposals to prohibit use of these chemicals in the state, which have been found to disrupt the endocrine and immune systems, child development, hormones and fertility, according to The National Institute of Health. Officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation told lawmakers the man-made chemicals are present in each of the state’s superfund sites, or areas contaminated with hazardous materials, and most inactive landfills. The agency has found harmful levels of PFAS in over 400 inactive landfills across the state.

When You’re Told You’re Not Strategic Enough
October 25, 2024, Harvard business Review
Being told you’re not strategic enough can be frustrating. If your strategy isn’t seen and understood, it’s as if it doesn’t exist at all. By making your strategy visible and easy you can shift perceptions, align your team with long-term goals, and be recognized for your strategic approach. Crises and day-to-day pressures should not get in the way of your strategic thinking; instead, use these moments to demonstrate your foresight and ability to connect immediate actions to the bigger picture.  

Indiana Congressman Introduces National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act
November 21, 2024, Fox 59 News
An Indiana congressman introduced a new bill that aims to increase the safety of amusement park rides. According to U.S. Rep. André Carson, (D-Ind.) the National Amusement Park Safety Act would work to create safety standards for amusement park rides nationwide. This would increase the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ability to ensure that the safety standards are met, and to investigate accidents and tackle and correct defects. It would also increase safety training for roller operators and serve as a way of collecting accident and defect data across the United States. “Millions of Americans enjoy amusement park rides every year with the expectation that the rides are safe, and that safety incidents will be thoroughly investigated,” Rep. Carson said. “But there are too many gaps in our current policies that put people at risk.”

Why Cycling In The U.S. Urgently Needs Safety Measures
November 20, 2024, NetNewsLedger.com
Cycling in the U.S. has seen a significant rise in popularity as people embrace it for fitness, commuting and transportation. With this surge in cyclists, the number of accidents involving bikes has also increased. Unfortunately, the U.S. is not as equipped as it could be to keep cyclists safe. This has led to a troubling rise in cycling-related injuries and fatalities across the country. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2022, bicycles and bicycle accessories resulted in over 405,410 emergency department-treated injuries.

CPSC: Stop Using Tiergrade Digital Combination Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
November 21, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation associated with the use of Tiergrade combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The detectors can fail to alert consumers to the presence of hazardous carbon monoxide and smoke.  Consumers will not be properly warned of carbon monoxide or fire dangers if their combination smoke and CO detector is defective and fails to properly alert, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.

EPA Extends Comment Deadline On Manufacture Of Certain PFAS During Fluorination Of HDPE And Other Plastic Containers
November 20, 2024, Bergeson & Campbell (National Law Review)
On November 20, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an extension to the comment period for the notice published September 30, 2024, seeking public comment on the manufacture of PFAS substances (PFAS) during the fluorination of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and other plastic containers to inform regulations as appropriate under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Comments are now due December 30, 2024.

Automakers Face Surge Of Recall Issues As Safety Takes Center Stage
November 23. 2024, The Pinnacle Gazette
The automotive industry is currently grappling with several significant recall announcements, putting safety at the forefront of consumer concerns. General Motors, Tesla, Ford, and others announce significant recalls due to serious safety concerns affecting thousands of vehicles.

Senators Hold Hearing On AI Fraud And Scams, Vow To Pass AI Bills In Coming Weeks
November 22, 2024, Mintz (National Law Review)
On November 19, the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security convened a hearing on “Protecting Consumers from Artificial Intelligence Enabled Fraud and Scams.” The Subcommittee heard from witnesses who testified about how AI technologies and tools enable fraud and scams, while Senators from both parties asked questions that highlighted the need for federal laws to crack down on such activity. The hearing comes as Senators try to pass AI legislation during the lame-duck session of Congress. Subcommittee Chair Hickenlooper (D-CO) specifically discussed five AI bills during the hearing, which he noted have all received bipartisan support and vowed to get “across the finish line and passed into law in the coming weeks.”

CPSC: 3 Million Adult Portable Bed Rails Recalled In 3 Years; 18 Deaths Reported Since 2021
November 14, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 200,000 adult portable bed rails manufactured by Medical King, of Brooklyn, New York, due to entrapment and asphyxia hazards. This is the 9th recall of adult portable bed rails CPSC has issued since 2021. In total these recalls, along with two product warnings, impacted more than 3 million units and are associated with serious injuries from head, neck or chest entrapment and 18 reported deaths. “Those taking care of the elderly or individuals with mobility limitations or those with mental challenges shouldn’t have to worry that a critical piece of support equipment they rely on could lead to serious injuries or death,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric in the CPSC announcement release.

Kids In Danger Closing At End Of Year
November 13, 2024, KID
Kids In Danger (KID), a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by fighting for product safety, has made the difficult decision to close its doors by the end of 2024. According to an announcement release, “many things contributed to the decision including the difficulty of fundraising, which has always been difficult, but has become harder over the past few years.” The release continued, “Among KID’s victories are the landmark 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act including the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, Reese’s Law and the STURDY Act.”

Why Employees Quit
November-December 2024, Harvard Business Review Magazine
The so-called war for talent is still raging. But in that fight, employers continue to rely on the same hiring and retention strategies they’ve been using for decades. Why? Because they’ve been so focused on challenges such as poaching by industry rivals, competing in tight labor markets, and responding to relentless cost-cutting pressures, they haven’t addressed a more fundamental problem. That is the widespread failure to provide sustainable work experiences. To stick around and give their best, people need meaningful work, managers and colleagues who value and trust them and opportunities to advance in their careers, the authors say.

EU: Transport Safety Group Pushes To Slow E-Scooters/Unify Rules
November 13, 2024, Forbes
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) pushed to lower speeds and increase standards for stability and stopping power for electric scooters. The ETSC recommended a universal set of rules to limit top speeds to 20 km/h (12.4 mph), replacing a patchwork of nation-by-nation regulations. It has also proposed limiting cars, trucks and vans in urban areas to 30 km/h (19mph) or less to lower the fatality risk for scooter riders, but also to benefit pedestrians and cyclists. The ETSC also recommended Europe’s governments enforce a minimum age of 16, mandatory helmets and a ban on passengers and riding after the consumption of drugs or alcohol.

PFAS Questions Every Company Needs To Ask Now
November 13, 2024, SheppardMullin (National Law Review)
2025 will be a landmark year in the regulation of PFAS. Addressing problems in this category has been a federal priority since 2021, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) published its “PFAS Roadmap” outlining a program of research, control and cleanup. Most recently, the EPA adopted new reporting requirements covering all PFAS used in products since 2011, which are expected to affect 130,000 businesses. In 2025, EPA data-gathering programs will go into effect to determine where, when, and how PFAS have been and are currently being used. Thousands of facilities will also be required to submit reports on PFAS for the first time. 

U.S. Product Recalls On Track To Reach Six-Year High In 2024
November 14, 2024, PR Newswire
According to the latest Sedgwick U.S. Recall Index report, year-to-date (YTD) in 2024 there have been 2,454 product recalls across five key industries. This is closely aligned with the 2,459 recalls recorded through the first three quarters of 2023—a year that ultimately set a five-year annual high for total recalls. Should the pace of recalls continue in the fourth quarter of 2024, the U.S. will reach a six-year high by year-end. The report points out that the Consumer Product Safety Commission continued its aggressive enforcement activity during the third quarter. While the agency has increasingly leveraged unilateral press releases in past quarters, it took a step further in Q3 by issuing a unilateral recall announcement after the seller of a defective product did not cooperate in CPSC efforts to implement a recall. Other activity from the CPSC suggests this stricter enforcement and oversight is more than a passing trend.

CPSC: Stop Using Ifanze Area Rugs; Violations Of The Federal Regulations For Rug Flammability; No Recall Or Remedy Offered
November 14, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using iFanze Area Rugs because they pose a fire hazard. The rugs fail to comply with federal safety regulation for rug flammability. The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the importer, Asell Internation Inc., of Industry, California, but the firm has not been responsive to CPSC’s request for a recall of this product.

Comment Period For Proposed Rule To Establish Safety Standards For Water Beads Extended
November 13, 2024, SBA Office of Advocacy
On September 9, 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission published a proposed rule to establish a safety standard for water bead toys and toys containing water beads. To address the risk of injury and death, the proposed rule adds performance and labeling requirements for water bead toys and toys containing water beads. The comment period for the proposed rule is extended to December 8, 2024.

What To Consider Before Purchasing E-Bikes For Children
November 14, 2024, Oakdale Leader
Parents may wonder if they should let their children ride e-bikes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children between the ages of nine and 12 should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 miles per hour, including e-bikes. Parents may not realize that e-bikes are quite heavy, with some weighing in at 60 pounds. That can make e-bikes challenging for small kids to maneuver. When considering e-bikes, prospective riders must take note of the following safety guidelines. Slower is better; Wear a helmet; Do not ride with a passenger; Follow the rules of the road; and Charge e-bikes while present.

Michigan’s PFAS Drinking-Water Limits Hang In Balance Of Supreme Court Case
November 13, 2024, Bridge Michigan
The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could decide whether Michigan’s PFAS drinking-water standards remain in place. Chemical giant 3M sued in hopes of voiding the standards, arguing the state failed to adequately consider costs to businesses. State lawyers contend they weren’t required to do so and revoking the standards would put Michiganders at risk.

Customs And Border Protection And CPSC Collaboration Results In Seizure Of Infants’ Products
October 24, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Successful targeting efforts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Machinery Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) and the CPSC at the Port of Memphis resulted in the seizure of $61,000 in infant products. The items were determined to be unsafe for entry due to high lead paint content and choking hazards. “The combined efforts of the Machinery Center, the Port of Memphis, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to identify and advance this shipment toward seizure serves as an illustrative example of effective enforcement through collaboration,” said Director Juan J. Porras, Machinery Center of Excellence and Expertise. On Sept. 17, 2024, CPSC provided Customs and Border Protection Memphis with a full report with referral to seize and destroy all merchandise in the detained shipment.

Federal Agency Implements First-Ever Product Safety Standards For Infant Nursing Pillows
October 21, 2024, Husch Blackwell (JD Supra)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a new rule on September 18, 2024, which will implement the first-ever federal safety standards for infant nursing pillows. This rule comes in response to 154 infant deaths and 64 serious injuries believed to be caused by these products between 2010 and 2022. These deaths commonly involved infants under 3 months old who were sleeping with the nursing pillows in locations such as adult beds, cribs, playpens, or couches. The new federal safety standards aim to allow nursing pillows to continue to be useful for breast or bottle feeding, while also reducing the risk of injury or death to infants. These standards intend to prevent suffocation, entrapment, or falls resulting from the use of nursing pillows by setting certain performance requirements for nursing pillows.

Expecting A Bad Performance Review? Here’s How To Prepare
July 7, 2022, Harvard Business Review
By preemptively taking action if you expect to receive a bad performance review, you may be able to steer a different course for yourself. The author offers six steps to take before and after your review if you know your performance has been subpar. First, reflect on your own assumptions about your performance to understand what you need to work on. Second, get your teammates’ perspective. Third, proactively invite your manager to have a conversation with you. Fourth, own up to your mistakes and put together a plan to improve. Fifth, follow up on that plan with your manager. Finally, show your manager you care about doing better. If you still receive a negative review despite your best efforts to be proactive, it may help you realize that your skills, strengths and interests don’t align with the needs of your current role.

California Adds PFAS Enforcement Criteria And Testing And Registration Requirements
October 24, 2024, Kelely Drye & Warren (JD Supra)
Recently adopted California legislation (AB 347) aims to fill fundamental gaps in implementation of the state’s restrictions on PFAS in juvenile products, textile articles and food packaging. As companies face immediate deadlines to comply with PFAS restrictions, the legislation provides needed clarity on enforcement; imposes registration requirements on manufacturers of covered products; and seeks to answer questions about proper test methods for establishing compliance. While penalties are to be assessed on a ​“case-by-case” basis under AB 347, the minimum penalty for a first-time violation is $10,000. 

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Tyler’s Law To Safeguard Children From Unsafe Products
October 22, 2024, abcnews4.com
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced a new bill aimed at protecting children from dangerous products. If passed, the bill will require hospitals, medical examiner offices and coroner offices to report incidents involving the death or serious injury of a child linked to children’s products. The proposed bill is titled Tyler’s Law, after a 10-month-old who died due to a defective crib. “Too many families have suffered the unthinkable because of products designed for our most vulnerable,” said Rep. Mace. “Tyler Jonathan’s is not an isolated incident. Nursery products contribute to hundreds of child deaths annually due to inadequate safety standards,” Rep. Mace said.

Toronto Transit Commission Proposes Winter Ban On E-Bikes And E-Scooters Over Fire Risk
October 23, 2024, CBC
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is proposing a seasonal ban on e-bikes and e-scooters each year, as concerns increase over lithium-ion battery powered devices and the risk of fire. It is recommending prohibiting e-bikes and e-scooters across the transit system during the winter season from Nov. 15 to April 15 of each year. The measure comes after an e-bike caught fire on a subway train at Sheppard-Yonge subway station in December last year. The manufacturer had advised that their e-bikes were not intended to be used in adverse weather conditions, which includes operating it where snow, ice or road salt is present, the Commission said. “Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation and lithium plating, increasing the likelihood of short circuits and fires,” the Commission said.

CPSC: Stop Using AILUKI Cordless Drills Sold On Amazon.Com Due To Risk Of Serious Injury And Death; Manufacturers Have Been Unresponsive
October 24, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using AILUKI cordless drills because they pose a risk of serious injury and death. Shenzhen Nuoyafangzhou Dianzishangwu Youxiangongsi, of China, manufactures this product and has been unresponsive to CPSC requests for information about this product or to conduct a recall. CPSC has received nine reports of defective cordless drills exploding, igniting, melting, smoking, or overheating, including three reports of property damage totaling $3,000 and one report of a burn injury.

Why Your Organization Needs To Craft A Comprehensive Genai Policy Now
October 23, 2024, Rumberger Kirk (JD Supra)
 The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence technologies has revolutionized various industries by automating complex tasks, creating content, and enhancing decision-making processes. However, it also poses significant business risks and ethical dilemmas. Because this technology is so easy to use and exploding in capabilities, it is crucial that companies establish a comprehensive GenAI policy. There are many reasons organizations should adopt a GenAI policy. Some open platforms can subject companies to the loss of trade secrets or confidential data. Others can expose an organization to cybersecurity risks. A policy can help prevent many unintended potential ethical, legal, quality, and security issues and inform employees about which uses are permitted.

The Importance Of Codes And Standards And Other Topics Discussed At USFA Summit
October 22, 2024, NFPA.org
Testimony delivered at this year’s summit covered climate-driven events, wildfire codes, the value of codes and standards, recruitment and retention in the fire service, firefighter health and safety, and EMS. I was honored to testify on the importance of codes and standards to the panel, which included Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell, as well as other White House and federal agency officials. 

Legislative Efforts Against ‘Forever Chemicals’ Grow Across Nation
October 24, 2024, Governing
Legislative momentum against PFAS has surged this year, as at least 11 states enacted laws to restrict the use of “forever chemicals” in everyday consumer products or professional firefighting foam. The legislation includes bans on PFAS in apparel, cleaning products, cookware, and cosmetic and menstrual products. Meanwhile, lawmakers in some states also passed measures that require industries to pay for testing or cleanup; order companies to disclose the use of PFAS in their products; and mandate or encourage the development of PFAS alternatives, according to Safer States, an alliance of environmental health groups focused on toxic chemicals.

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard For Infant Support Cushions To Prevent Infant Deaths And Serious Injuries
October 16, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved, by a 5 to 0 vote, a new federal mandatory standard to improve the safety of infant support cushions. CPSC is aware of 79 infant deaths and 124 injuries between 2010 and 2022 associated with infant support cushions. Most injuries and deaths ccurred among infants younger than 3-months old. The new rule will go into effect 180 days following its publication in the Federal Register and will require that all infant support cushions manufactured for sale after the rule takes effect meet the new requirements.  

Statement of Chair Hoehn-Saric

Dangerous Toys Made Outside European Union Sold Online Within The Bloc
October 17, 2024, The Irish Times
Many unbranded toys made outside of Europe but sold within the EU by online retailers including Temu and Amazon are dangerous for children, an industry survey shows. Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) said that final results showed 80 per cent of the toys tested did not meet EU safety standards. The more than 100 products tested were bought on 10 online platforms: China’s AliExpress, Temu and Shein, Singapore’s Light In The Box, the US’s Amazon and Wish, France’s Cdiscount, UK’s Fruugo, the Netherlands’ Bol and Poland’s Allegro. Platforms themselves are not responsible for goods sold by third-party sellers which are often shipped directly from China at subsidized postage rates. TIE has called for this loophole to be closed by the European Commission and for it to crack down on dangerous products being sold.

What Experts Predict The Future Of Work Will Look Like
September 16, 2024, Harvard Business Review  
No one knows exactly what the future of work will look like. Research involving Belgian newspaper articles and experts shows that public commentators on the topic tend to fall into three buckets: Optimists (largely tech entrepreneurs), skeptics (largely economists) and pessimists (authors and journalists). So, who’s righ? Because each group uses different research and has a different point of view, it’s impossible to tell who is right. But it is possible to better understand all three arguments, and to think critically about what you want the future of work to look like. A robust public debate involving every citizen, policy maker, manager and CEO is the best way to ensure all voices are heard.

CPSC Commissioners Abstain From Retracting Infant Sleep Product Statements
October 17, 2024, Morrison Foerster
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has refused to retract Commissioner Richard Trumka’s unilateral statements earlier this year encouraging retailers to stop selling weighted infant sleep products. CPSC Commissioners Peter A. Feldman and Douglas Dziak published a statement rejecting a request by Dreamland Baby, a weighted sleep sack company. The CPSC retraction commissioner Trumka’s statements was not agreed upon. Notably, Commissioners Feldman and Dziak did not express support for Commissioner Trumka’s statements. Rather, they explained, “The relief sought by Dreamland Baby in this matter raises separate concerns, particularly with respect to the remedy, which requires a retraction ‘in a manner equivalent’ to the original method of dissemination.”

FDNY: Fatal Brooklyn Fire Caused By Unregulated Lithium-Ion Battery
October 18, 2024, Fire & Safety Journal Americas
As reported by the Fire Department of New York, a fire in Brooklyn on October 16, 2024, was caused by a failed lithium-ion battery. The fire tragically claimed the life of a 69-year-old man. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker addressed the issue during a public briefing, emphasizing the dangers posed by unregulated lithium-ion batteries. He urged the public to avoid purchasing batteries from unregulated sources and warned of the risks to both civilians and firefighters. Commissioner Tucker pointed out that there have been 219 lithium-ion battery-related fires in 2024 so far.

Expanding The Scope Of Winter Safety
October 15, 2024, Occupational Health and Safety
Winter hazards are nothing if not predictable: Slip hazards due to frozen ice; frostbite and other forms of cold stres; housekeeping issues in entrances and walkways; and slush in the workplace. How they appear may vary from one incident to the next, but every year, some permutation of these safety issues will pose a threat as the weather turns colder. And every year, safety professionals will dust off their talking points on winter weather hazards.

Colsen Recalls Fire Pits Due To Risk Of Serious Burn Injury; No Recall Or Remedy Offered
October 17, 2024 cpsc.gov
This recall involves Colsen-branded indoor/outdoor tabletop fire pits. The fire pits consist of a concrete, open reservoir intended to contain burning liquid alcohol. They vary in size from 5 to 18 inches wide. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fire pits and dispose of them. Do NOT resell or donate them. It is a violation of federal law to sell or distribute recalled products. CPSC has received 31 reports of flame jetting and flames escaping from the concrete container; resulting in 19 burn injuries. Two incidents resulted in third degree burns to more than 40% of victims’ bodies, and at least six incidents have involved surgery, prolonged medical treatment, admission to burn treatment facilities, short-term disability, loss of function, physical therapy, or permanent disfigurement. The firm stopped selling Colsen-branded fire pits and does not have the financial resources to offer a remedy to consumers.

CPSC Finds Substantial Number Of Mattresses Tested Fail Parts 1632 And 1633  
October 17, 2024, International Sleep Products Association
The International Sleep Products Association has been following publicly available violation data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Based on the available data (Violations | CPSC.gov) there appears to be an alarming increase in mattresses failing to meet Part 1632 and 1633 burn tests over the past year. These failures can have costly consequences.  Manufacturers or importers of non-compliant products may need to conduct expensive recalls or take other corrective actions. When imported products fail compliance tests before the goods formally enter the United States, US Customs and Border Protection can require that the non-compliant goods be seized and destroyed.

Agricultural Research Service Develops Long-Term Roadmap For PFAS In U.S. Agriculture
October 16, 2024, Agricultural Research Service
The Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today announced several key outcomes from a workshop to develop a research roadmap that would lead to short and long-term science-based solutions to meet the emerging challenges posed by the discovery of PFAS in agricultural soils and waters. PFAS have become increasingly found in the environment, posing significant challenges for producers, and farming communities, highlighting the need for agricultural researchers to develop innovative and practical solutions. ARS and the University Maine collaborated recently during a three-day workshop to bring together more than 150 interagency researchers, state partners university partners and other subject matter experts. They engaged in discussions and identified key research and innovative solutions that address the top challenges PFAS poses to agriculture, agroecosystems, food systems and farming communities.

Several Branded Promotional Cigar Slim Lighters Recalled
October 17, 2024, WGAU radio
About 60,000 cigar slim lighters were recalled because they did not have child-resistant mechanisms and were not evaluated for child resistance. The cigar lighters were promotional items, given away for free, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced. The lighters were either white, brown or red and were about 3 inches by 1 1/2 inches by one-quarter inch. The CPSC said the lighters should be thrown away, and since it was a free promotional item, no refund or replacement will be given.

Texas Attorney General Obtains Settlement Of Alleged False And Misleading Statements About Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Product Accuracy
October 15, 2024, Quaries.com
The Attorney General (AG) of Texas announced a settlement with an artificial intelligence-focused healthcare technology company to resolve allegations of false and misleading statements about the accuracy of its product. The company provides a generative artificial intelligence-enabled service to support health system doctors and nurses to summarize, chart, and draft clinical notes in the electronic health record, among other AI-enabled functionality related to patient care. The company promotes its product’s capability to minimize AI “hallucinations” using “highly tuned adversarial AI” and “board-certified clinician oversight.” The Texas AG asserts that the company’s claims that its product was “highly accurate” and that its “critical hallucination rate” was “<.001%” were false and misleading and may have deceived hospitals about product safety and accuracy, putting the public interest at risk. 

CPSC: Injuries and deaths associated with nursery products among children younger than age five exceed 60,000
August 2024, cpsc.gov
A new CPSC report presents nursery product-related injury estimates from 2021 to 2023 as well as comparisons with historic injury estimates. An estimated 60,400 nursery product-related injuries among children younger than 5 years old were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2023. Detailed information on deaths associated with nursery products that reportedly occurred during the 3-year period from 2019 to 202 is also presented.

Consumer Reports: Dresser Tests Show New Tip-Over Standard Is Working, But Older, Riskier Dressers Are Still Sold
September 25, 2024, Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports (CR) released its furniture tip-over test results for a range of popular dressers. All 10 dressers that passed CR’s tests were manufactured after September 1, 2023, when new furniture stability rules under the national law known as the STURDY Act went into effect. However, CR also found that dressers manufactured before the STURDY Act took effect continue to be sold and may pose furniture tip-over safety risks.  “It is encouraging to see that the law is working and that new dressers are meeting the tip-over standard,” said Gabe Knight, safety policy analyst at Consumer Reports. “But some retailers are still selling furniture that doesn’t meet the new stability requirements, he said.”

How To Explain Job Hopping In An Interview
September 2, 2024, Harvard Business Review
As job hopping becomes more common and less stigmatized, why do some hiring managers (and media outlets) still perpetuate the stereotype that millennial and Gen Z workers are disloyal to their organizations? If you’re one of the many job hoppers struggling to explain the multiple roles you’ve held in the past, there are a few ways to approach this predicament. Should a potential employer ask about the “job hopping” areas of your resume, try to think of it as an opportunity. It’s a chance to help your interviewer better understand your motivations while highlighting what you’re looking for long term.

Latest U.S. Smoke Alarm Data Reinforces Critical Importance Of Working Alarms
September 25, 2024, The Firehouse
According to the latest “Smoke Alarms in the U.S.” report from the National Fire Protection Association®, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 60 percent. The majority of civilian home fire deaths continues to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms. A newly published survey by the CPSC, conducted in coordination with the Fire Protection Research Foundation and the National Institute for Safety and Technology, assesses the prevalence, functionality and public perception of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in U.S. households. According to the findings, 99 percent of all U.S. households report having at least one smoke alarm, a significant increase from 88 percent in 1994.

New Columbia Study Shows E-Bike/E-Scooter Injuries Surged In Recent Years
September 25, 2024, Forbes
Between 2019 and 2022, the rates of injuries to e-bike users rose fourfold and for powered scooter users nearly doubled – that’s a spike of 293 % and 88 % respectively. Those are the stark findings of a new study conducted by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. “Our results underscore the urgent need to improve micromobility injury surveillance and to identify strategies for cities to improve user’s safety so that micromobility can be a safe, sustainable, equitable, and healthy option for transportation,” Kathryn Burford, a postdoctoral fellow at the Columbia Mailman School and the study’s first author, said.

Study Finds One-Third Of Americans Knowingly Use Recalled Products
September 24, 2024, PRnewswire
A newly released report from a software developer claims that 36% of Americans admit they would continue to use products even after a recall. The trend proves generational, according to MasterControl. For instance, Millennials (45%) and Gen Z (59%) are twice as likely to continue to use at least one kind of recalled product compared to Boomers (18%) and Gen X (23%).While 92% of consumers say they would take some type of action to mitigate the financial or physical harm from a recalled product – like asking for a refund or talking to a medical provider – many will then still continue to use the faulty products, the report claims.

CPSC Import Shipment Tracking Tool
September 2024, cpsc.gov
The CPSC Import Shipment Tracking Tool will allow you to check the status of your shipment using your entry number with your filer code included and entry line number (optional). Please remove all hyphens from your entry number to track the shipment. Using this tool will allow you to see your shipment’s status and the remaining time left for CPSC to review the shipment. 

Tucson Int’l Airport Signs EPA Superfund Deal To Manage PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’
Sept. 25, 2024, Tucson Sentinel
 Officials at the Tucson International Airport will be required to determine the extent of a plume of “forever chemicals” that have leached into the ground over the past decades, under a Superfund agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency. The document — an administrative settlement agreement and order on consent — requires airport officials to “determine the nature and extent of PFAS contamination” from Tucson International Airport and “whether cleanup action at or around the airport property is needed.”

CPSC: Stop Using LEHOM Baby Playpens Due Violations Of Federal Regulations For Play Yards, Phthalates And Lead; No Acceptable Remedy For Consumers
September 26, 2024, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of LEHOM Baby Playpens because they pose entrapment and suffocation hazards for infants. The LEHOM playpens violate federal safety regulations for play yards because the included basketball hoop accessory presents a head entrapment hazard and in addition, children can become entrapped beneath the mattress, posing a suffocation hazard. Also, the zippers contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban and the PVC suction cups contain levels of phthalates that exceed the federal phthalate prohibition. Lead and phthalates are toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. The importer, RYZ International Trading Limited, of Hong Kong, has not agreed to offer an acceptable recall remedy to consumers.

‘Dangerous Chemical Leak’ Prompts Immediate Evacuation Near Cincinnati
Sept. 24, 2024, WDTN.com
A portion of Hamilton County has been ordered to evacuate their area. According to the Hamilton County Emergency Management, a “dangerous chemical leak” is forcing people in a 0.5 mile radius of the area of S.R. 128 and U.S. 50 near Cleves to evacuate. WLWT in Cincinnati reports a train did not derail, but rather a train car valve was releasing styrene gas.