“Wiping The Slate Clean”— CPSC Commissioners Signal Higher Penalties To Come
July 12, 2022, Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Despite imposing onerous new compliance terms, the recently announced Vornado civil penalty was criticized by three commissioners as too low amid their urgent calls for larger penalties in the future. Three of the agency’s five commissioners published individual statements alongside the agency’s announcement of the penalty, which is atypical. The statements provide product safety stakeholders with insights on how the “new” Commission views civil penalties and its enforcement authority.

CPSC Says Facebook Marketplace Rife With Banned, Recalled Products
July 13, 2022, MSN
Facebook’s online marketplace is rife with banned and recalled products, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is calling on the social media giant to curtail the dangerous listings. The agency recently urged Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to use its “considerable resources and technological expertise” to identify and prevent products known to be dangerous from being offered for sale on its site.

Government, Industry Leaders Shed Light In Program On Role Of Crisis Management In Professional Development
July 16, 2022, EIN Newswire
Leaders in the consumer product safety field will share experiences and insights into the impact that crisis management has on the career paths of safety professionals. In a 7-part webinar series starting September 20, “Crisis Management’s Role in Professional Development” features leaders from government agencies, global industry leaders, and education specialists who will discuss how they met challenges that led to their growth as professionals

What Makes Innovation Partnerships Succeed
July 14, 2022, Harvard Business Review
Increasingly, companies are aggressively pursuing breakthrough innovations. But to succeed in a significant, cost-efficient, timely way they need to partner with other companies who have their own special interests and concerns. This can be very hard.

California Adds PFAS To List Of Chemicals Subject To Prop 65 Enforcement Actions
July 13, 2022, JD Supra
California has just added per- and poly-fluoralkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals requiring consumer warnings under Proposition 65. This means that state residents can soon expect to see the words “cancer” and “reproductive harm” on such common consumer products as shampoo, nail polish, cookware and fast food.

Amazon Offers Concessions To Head Off EU Antitrust Cases
July 14, 2022, Associated Press
Amazon, seeking to resolve two European Union antitrust investigations, has promised to treat third-party merchants on its website fairly, the bloc’s competition watchdog said. The online retail giant offered to make a number of commitments to ease competition concerns, and the European Commission, the 27-nation bloc’s top antitrust enforcer, said it will now seek feedback on them from “interested parties.”

Child Ingests Antipsychotic Drug, Leading Novartis To Recall Packages That Don’t Meet Child Safety Rules
July 9, 2022, Fierce Pharma
Novartis and its generics unit Sandoz are voluntarily recalling nearly half a million packages of medications after a child opened a “child-proof” blister pack and ingested a tablet of antipsychotic medication haloperidol. The recall of 470,000 packages of a variety of drugs was announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which said, “The prescription drug packaging is not child resistant as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, posing a poisoning risk if swallowed by children.”

UK’s Online Safety Bill On Pause Pending New PM
July 14, 2022, TechCrunch
A major populist but controversial piece of U.K. legislation to regulate internet content through a child safety-focused frame is on pause until the fall when the government expects to elect a new prime minister, following the resignation of Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader last week. PoliticsHome reported yesterday that the Online Safety Bill would be dropped from House of Commons business next week with a view to being returned in the autumn.

Study Investigates Consumer Product-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries Among School Aged Children
July 14, 2022, Medical News
New research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, investigates consumer product-related traumatic brain injuries (CP-TBI) among school-aged children for a 20-year period by differentiating age groups, levels of education, and gender and evaluating trends with the time-point regression method. Their findings reveal insights that have implications for effective preventive strategies and policies.

European Union RoHS Revision Proposal Delayed
July 13, 2022, Chemical Watch
The European Commission has delayed the publication of its proposal on the revision of the EU’s Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The proposal was originally planned for publication by the end of the year but the process of reviewing the Directive has “required more time than initially foreseen”, a Commission spokesperson told Chemical Watch.

CPSC Continues Enforcement Push In First Quarter 2022
July 13, 2022, National Law Review
As predicted based on agency indications in 2021,1 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) has continued its push towards increased enforcement2 in the first quarter of 2022. While recall trends this quarter (and over the past several years) have not been the best indicator of increasing enforcement,3 initial appearances can be deceiving. As recent news in the exercise industry has shown, the CPSC will not shy away from unilateral action even in the case of a voluntary recall.4 Additionally, the agency seems to be focusing increased attention on other mechanisms, including fines and administrative actions.

Irish Data Protection Commission Moves To Block Meta Transfers
July 15, 2022, National Law Review
On July 7, 2022, the Irish Data Protection Commission (the “DPC”) sent a draft decision to other EU data protection authorities, proposing to block Meta’s transfers of personal data from the EU to the United States. The DPC’s draft decision indicates that it does not consider the Standard Contractual Clauses relied on by Meta for its transfers to provide sufficient protection for personal data.

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Vornado To Pay $7.5 Million Penalty After Hundreds Of Complaints And A Death
July 7, 2022, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Vornado Air LLC, of Andover, Kansas, has agreed to pay a $7.5 million civil penalty. The settlement resolves CPSC’s charges that Vornado failed to immediately report to CPSC, as required by law. Additionally, the settlement resolves a charge that its VH101 Personal Vortex electric space heater contained a defect or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury. CPSC charged that Vornado had information that the heater could overheat and catch fire, posing a risk of burn injury or death.

Recall Readiness: A Primer For Manufacturers Before An Event
July 6, 2022, National Law Review
Manufacturers of products strive to produce safe and effective products for many reasons. These include public responsibility and safety, customer expectations, contractual specifications, brand protection, liability avoidance and profit and compliance with government regulations. However, as diligent and well-intended manufacturers typically may be, there is always the possibility of a product defect or danger arising that can threaten those important goals.

Why You Need To Stop Micromanaging Your Team And Learn To Let Go
July 4, 2022, Entrepreneur
The business atmosphere is ever-changing with its constant upgrades, further development of leadership styles and new work approaches. In such a dynamic work environment, it’s only natural for the employees to show tendencies of being more adaptive to change and proactivity.

Canada Moves To Ban Single-Use Plastics
July 4, 2022, Plastics Technology
The Canadian government has published final regulations to prohibit single-use plastics. These regulation cover checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from certain plastics products, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws (with some exceptions). The ban on the manufacture and import of these single-use plastics, barring a few targeted exceptions will kick in December 2022.

Inside The War On Fake Consumer Reviews
July 6, 2022, Time Magazine
As the pandemic continues to supercharge global e-commerce, this kind of fraud has emerged as one of the most significant factors contributing to an erosion of consumer confidence in the online marketplace. Fake reviews influenced around $152 billion in global spending on lackluster products and services last year, according to a report from the World Economic Forum.

Toxic Chemicals Lurk At Playgrounds
July 7, 2022, E & E News Greenwire
The chemicals can include neurotoxins like lead and other heavy metals, as well as carcinogenic chemicals like polyaromatic hydrocarbons. They can also include endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, and chemicals linked to other organ damage like volatile organic compounds and PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

With Public Trust Plummeting, Big Business Needs To Do Better
July 4, 2022, Smart Company
The latest Edelman Trust Barometer (over 36,000 respondents in 28 countries) found that trust in business runs at only 61% (58% in Australia), although that’s ahead of NGOs, government and media.

Glues, Inks, Pens… Beware Of Certain Substances Present In School Supplies
July 7, 2022, California18
“Pens, glue, pencils, correctors, notebooks…” ANSES (the national food safety agency) points the finger, in a notice recently published, the presence of hazardous chemicals in some school supplies. This finding comes after several studies conducted in recent years by various organizations, such as the magazine 60 Million Consumers or the UFC-Que Choisir association.

Voluntary Safety Recall Notice: Scholastic Recalls Shake Look Touch Book With Pom Poms
July 7, 2022, 8 News Now
Scholastic is recalling the Shake Look Touch book because of a choking hazard. The book has pom poms on it that can detach and are a hazard to younger children. The pom poms are green and pink, according to a release.

West Fargo Fire Corner: Recalls, Dehumidifiers And Safety
July 6, 2022, Inforum
With the warmer weather bringing rain and humidity, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to check their make and model against several announced recalls for dehumidifiers made by Gree Electric Appliances, GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd. and LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co.

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Senate Confirms Mary Boyle As 5th CPSC Commissioner; Agency Now At Full Strength
June 23, 2022, National Law Review
Nearly a year after she was first nominated, Mary Boyle was confirmed Wednesday to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. When she takes office for a term that will run through October 2025, Boyle will bring the Commission to its full five-member strength for the first time since 2019. Boyle has been at CPSC for more than a decade, serving as an attorney in the Office of General Counsel, as General Counsel herself, and currently as the agency’s Executive Director.

Federal Regulators Restrict The Sale Of In-Bed Sleepers And Several Other Infant Sleep Products
June 23, 2022, Consumer Reports
Dangerous infant sleepers and other products that aren’t consistent with expert medical advice will no longer be allowed to be sold or marketed for sleep because of a federal rule taking effect today. And the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its infant sleep guidelines, urging parents to use only sleep products covered by a federal safety standard and to not share their bed with a sleeping infant.

Supporting Your Team When The News Is Terrible
June 23, 2022, Harvard Business Review
Find a path forward and in the face of devastating news can feel impossible. Chances are that your team is feeling a host of emotions: Anger, despair, helplessness. Here are 5 steps to help you and your team feel better when things seems terrible.

One Charger To Rule Them All! European Commission, Council And Parliament Reach Agreement On Common Charger Proposal
June 20, 2022, Productwise
Two weeks ago, the European Commission, Council and Parliament reached an agreement on the proposal to amend the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). The agreement requires the use of USB-C chargers for many electrical products in the EU. It also introduce new requirements for charging technology.

BIS Issues Performance Standards For EV Batteries Amid Safety ConcernsJune 23, 2022, Business Standards
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has come out with performance standards for electric vehicle batteries to ensure the safety of consumers, according to a senior consumer affairs ministry official. BIS, the national standards-setting body that functions under the consumer affairs ministry of India, has published the official “Performance Standards For Electronic Vehicle Batteries,” the official said.

McDonald’s Argues Consumers Suffered No Injuries In PFAS Class Action, Seeks Dismissal
June 23, 2022, Madison Record
McDonald’s Corporation argues that a “baseless accusation” that its packaging contains toxic chemicals should be dismissed. Their position is based on the assertation that the plaintiffs do not put forward any injuries that justify the suit. McDonald’s claims the “grease-resistance substances” are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

European Union Digital Services Act: How It Will Make The Internet Safer For Children
June 20, 2022, World Economic Forum
The EU has agreed on the Digital Services Act, which aims to set a new rulebook on how Europe regulates the digital landscape. The legislation includes measures to recognize the rights of the child and ban targeted advertising aimed at children.

Consumer Goods CEOs Highlight Five Urgent Actions Needed To Help Reach 2030 SDG Deadline
June 21, 2022, Big News Network
The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and the EY organization have today published a new report bringing together opinions from 13 consumer industry leaders that outlines the urgent priorities the sector must act upon to help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 deadline. At the halfway point to the 2030 deadline (from the SDGs being set in 2015), the CEOs are optimistic that faster progress can be achieved through five actions to accelerate impact.

Safety First: EU’s Product Safety Rules Based On Prevention Rather Than Prohibition
June 22, 2022, The journal.ie
While the European Union’s intervention in member states’ industries has added unpopular red tape and bureaucracy in the past, EU-mandated pan-European standardization of product safety standards on the other hand has arguably been a huge success.

Renew Europe Pushes For Future-Proof EU Legislation On Safety Of Products
June 16, 2022, Renew Europe
The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament welcomes today’s adoption by the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection of the report on General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), as an updated, and more effective legislative framework was needed to ensure that all products circulating in the single market are safe.

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CPSC Chair Hoehn-Saric: “Never Use Inclined Products.”
June 14, 2022, CPSC.gov

CPSC Commissioner Trumka: “Only A Firm, Flat Surface Is Safe.”
June 14, 2022, CPSC.gov

Seven Safety Certifications: Why They’re Important
June 14, 2022, MUO
Have you ever looked at the back of a power brick and noticed a slew of markings? They are there to protect you, the community and the environment from all kinds of hazards ranging from electromagnetic incompatibilities to poisonous chemicals.

So Your Boss Refused To Give You A Raise
June 16, 2022, Harvard Business Review
While being rejected for a raise can be a blow to your self-esteem, it’s an opportunity for development and not a step backwards. In this article, the author offers this advice on how to maintain momentum after being denied a raise.

Serious Injuries More Likely For Kids Using Trampoline Centers Than Home Trampolines
June 13, 2022, EuerkaAlert
Children who use trampoline centers are more likely to be injured and need hospital admission than those who use home trampolines, finds a data analysis of available international evidence. The analysis was published in the journal Injury Prevention.

Fireworks Safety: How To Avoid Blowing Off Your Finger
June 10, 2022, Patch
This is the wrong way to light firecrackers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Agency said 30 percent of 4th of July fireworks-related injuries in 2020 that were treated at U.S. emergency rooms were to fingers and hands.

Australian Regulator Announces Product Safety Priorities
June 16, 2022, The National Tribune
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission this year will focus on product safety issues affecting young children and strategies for reducing fires and injuries from lithium-ion batteries, according to its chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb. Ms. Cass-Gottlieb shared her vision for consumer protection in Australia and announced the ACCC’s seven product safety priorities.

JPMA Names New Executive Director
June 16, 2022, JPMA News
Lisa Trofe, CAE, formerly Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association managing director, will lead the organization as the industry faces a challenging regulatory environment, industry consolidation and a need for programs to advance baby safety.

NC Elevator Safety Upgrade In Cottage Rentals Advancing
June 15, 2022, US News
All elevators inside vacation cottages or similar short-term rentals in North Carolina would have to include life-saving space guards in legislation advancing in the state Senate. The measure which could be on the senate floor later soon is a response to last summer’s death of a 7-year-old child at a rental home on the northern Outer Banks. The Ohio boy became trapped between the elevator car and elevator shaft, authorities said.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Set To Auction 46,000 Clear Backpacks
June 11, 2022, WCNC
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is set to auction off all 46,000 clear backpacks it brought this school year in response to a rise in violence. In March, it was confirmed that CMS was “indefinitely” postponing the rollout of clear backpacks at pilot schools due to most backpacks containing a warning tag required by Prop 65 for California residents.

EPA Warns Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ More Dangerous Than Once Thought
June 15, 2022, Washington Post
The Environmental Protection Agency warned recently that a group of human-made chemicals found in the drinking water, cosmetics and food packaging used by millions of Americans pose a greater danger to human health than regulators previously thought. The new health advisories for a ubiquitous class of compounds known as polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, underscore the risk facing dozens of communities across the country. Linked to infertility, thyroid problems and several types of cancer, these “forever chemicals” can persist in the environment for years without breaking down.

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CPSC Report Shows Fatal Child Drownings Remain High; Nonfatal Drowning Injuries Spiked By 17 % In 2021
June 9, 2022, CPSC.gov
The annual drowning and submersion report released recently by the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows fatal child drownings and nonfatal drowning injuries in children under age 15 remain high. Child drownings continue to be the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 years old.

Is An Older Crib Safe For Your Baby?
June 8, 2022, Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
The answer is NO. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends NOT using hand-me-down cribs more than a decade old or cribs that have been modified. Broken cribs also landed on the do-not-use list, though that kind of goes without saying.

Don’t Confuse Strategy With Lofty Goals
June 8, 2022, Harvard Business Review
Most companies communicate strategy as aspirations and platitudes. But these grand claims offer no guidance to employees on company direction. A recent study shows only 29% of employees know what their companies strategies are.

AI Ethical Decision Making: Is Society Ready?
June 3, 2022, Science Daily
With the accelerating evolution of technology, artificial intelligence plays a growing role in decision-making. Humans are becoming increasingly dependent on algorithms to process information, recommend certain behaviors and even take actions of their behalf. A Hiroshima University research team published findings of how humans react to the introduction of AI in decision making.

California PFAS Laws Take Aim At Consumer Goods
June 7, 2022, National Law Review
The California PFAS laws underscore the importance of companies assessing the impact of continued use of PFAS in consumer products. Of equal importance are corporate practices and decision making regarding continued use of PFAS in consumer products.

UK: Anticipating The Product Liability Wave
June 8, 2022, ICLG.com
“We have got this perfect storm of the sharpening of liability laws: the tightening of the screws around regulation, consumers being told ‘you have got these rights that you should exercise’, and tools being put in place for the consumers to exercise those rights. It is changing everything at the moment,” says Rod Freeman, a partner with Cooley.

Commissioner Feldman Statement On FY 2022 Mid-Year CPSC Spending Plan
June 1, 2022, cpsc.gov
“As the Commission continues its work in fiscal year 2022 and beyond, I hope my colleagues will join me in making accountability and transparency a top priority as we work to protect American consumers.”

Commissioner Trumka: Statement On Bipartisan Support To Mitigate Chronic Hazards And Other Improvements
June 1, 2022, CPSC.Gov
“The Commission Approved A Spending Plan For The Remainder Of Fiscal Year 2022 And Directed The Agency’s Use Of Outstanding American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. With A Shoestring Budget, We Faced Difficult Decisions On How Best To Prioritize Among Life-Saving Projects. In Each Of Those Decisions We Put Consumers First. I Am Especially Proud That We Secured Bipartisan Support For Three Amendments To The Spending Plan.”

UK Politicians Ride E-Scooters Ahead Of Legislation Change
June 9, 2022, TTI
MPs and peers have been given the chance to ride e-scooters and receive safety training as they consider legislation to make these vehicles fully legal in the UK. The vehicles remain illegal in public areas, unless they are part of a pilot scheme.

The EU AI Act Will Have Global Impact But A Limited Brussels Effect
June 8, 2022, Brookings Institute
The European Union’s (EU) AI Act (AIA) aspires to establish the first comprehensive regulatory scheme for artificial intelligence, but its impact will not stop at the EU’s borders. In fact, some EU policymakers believe it is a critical goal of the AIA to set a worldwide standard, so much so that some refer to a race to regulate AI.

North American Flame Retardant Alliance Comments On Final Regulatory Determinations Report Under Safer Products For Washington State
June 8, 2022, American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) issued the following statement. “NAFRA is deeply disappointed with the Department of Ecology’s alternatives assessment approach and outcome. The Department failed to properly evaluate organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) and their alternatives in a complete or consistent manner that considered availability, performance, safety and cost for Washington consumers and businesses.

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United States Product Recalls Reach 10-Year High In Q1 2022
June 1, 2022, Insurance Journal
More than 900 million units were recalled during the first quarter in the United States in the automotive, consumer products, food and drink, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries according to Sedgwick’s latest quarterly Recall Index. Not only does this mark the highest number of units recalled in a single quarter in the past 10 years, but it also eclipses average ‘annual’ figures recorded across this timeframe, too.

Which? Safety Tests Uncover Dangerous Baby Carriers And Slings On Amazon, Ebay And Aliexpress
May 30, 2022, Which?
Some 91% of low-cost baby carriers and slings fail basic safety standards, an investigation by consumer group, Which? has found. Ripped seams, slipping straps and suffocation risks were just some of the hazards found in the tests could be potentially lethal if used to carry a real baby.

You Don’t Like Your New Boss. What Should You Do?
June 1, 2022, Harvard Business Review
Starting a new job always comes with unexpected challenges. One that is especially hard to navigate is a strained relationship with your new boss. Here are a few reasons why there might be tension and advice on how to mitigate the relationship.

New York State Agency Gives Safety Tips When Using Gas Or Charcoal Grills
May 27, 2022, Niagara Frontier Publications
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for many New Yorkers, and with it, the start of the grilling season. As New Yorkers get ready to fire up their grills this Memorial Day weekend, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection reminds consumers to consider some important safety tips for safe summer barbecues.

E-Scooter Fire Safety Becoming A Growing Concern
May 30, 2022, Cities Today
The benefits of a compact, fast and fully electric mode of transport are clear: Less congestion, pollution and time wasted navigating streets. But as e-scooters proliferate, there are growing calls to address a safety issue that has emerged.

CPSC To Consumers: Stop Using Mobility Transfer Systems Adult Portable Bed Rails Due To Entrapment And Asphyxia Hazard
June 2, 2022, PRNewswire
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using 285,000 Mobility Transfer Systems adult portable bed rails. These products can create an entrapment hazard and pose a risk of serious injury or death to users. CPSC’s warning applies to 10 models of bed rails. The bed rails were manufactured and sold by Mobility Transfer Systems Inc. from 1992 to 2021, and by Metal Tubing USA Inc. in 2021 and 2022. Neither company has agreed to recall the bed rails and to offer a remedy to consumers. CPSC is assessing possible future action in this matter.

UK Publishes Report On The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Product Safety
May 31, 2022, Global Compliance News
The Office for Product Safety and Standards published a report on May 23, 2022 which considered the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on product safety. This issue is also being considered in a number of other jurisdictions. The report provides a framework for considering the impact of AI consumer products on existing product safety and liability policy.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Receives Lighthouse Award At The National Water Safety Conference
May 27, 2022, El Paso, Inc.
After record breaking drowning numbers in 2021, aquatics professionals, public health and safety officials, parents and federal representatives came together to share strategic ideas and to rally support for the reauthorization of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The highlight of the week was a live Q&A session with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric.

Crib Bumpers And Inclined Sleepers Still Available For Purchase Despite New Safety Law
June 3, 2022, WMJ4-TV
Retailers and manufacturers are being given six months from the signing of the Safe Sleep For Babies Act to comply. That means you may still find banned item for sale in a store and online, especially second-hand. That’s why child safety advocacy group Kids in Danger is warning parents about the potential dangers, like suffocation risks, of these baby sleep products.

Pressure Growing To Remove PFAS From Fast Food Wrappers
June 1, 2022, Union-Bulletin
Environmental and health groups are pushing dozens of fast-food companies, supermarkets chains and other retail outlets to remove PFAS chemicals from their packaging. These “forever chemicals” have been used for decades to prevent grease, water and other liquids from soaking through wrappers, boxes and bags.

China Sets Out A Regulatory Roadmap To Control New Chemicals
June 1, 2022, JD Supra
On May 24, 2022, China State Council issued an Action Plan on New Pollutants Governance (“Plan”) to set out a regulatory roadmap to control new chemicals and outline an enhanced enforcement framework for compliance. The Plan establishes a framework
for an environmental risk management system for chemicals and integration and expansion of China’s existing regulatory programs on chemicals.

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Massachusetts AG Healey Sues 13 Companies For Manufacturing Toxic Chemicals Found In Drinking Water, Firefighter Foam
May 25, 2022, Fall River Reporter
The suit is against 13 manufacturers of poly- and perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) “forever” chemicals used in firefighting foam. It alleges that the manufacturers caused millions of dollars in damages to communities across Massachusetts by knowingly contaminating drinking water sources, groundwater, and other natural resources with highly toxic PFAS chemicals.

Modifications To Prop 65 Short-Form Warnings On Pause: New Regulatory Proposal To Come
May 20, 2022, National Law Review
On May 20, 2022, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, announced that it was allowing the rulemaking process for proposed modifications to the Prop 65 short-form warnings to lapse. OEHHA has stated that it intends to restart the rulemaking process on the short-form warnings with a new regulatory proposal in the next several weeks. The agency said time restrictions led to the decision.

How To Spot — And Develop — High-Potential Talent
May 26, 2022, Harvard Business Review
Organizations typically use past performance to identify future leaders. But an employee’s track record doesn’t tell who might excel at things they haven’t done before. Here is a model for predicting leadership potential based on three behaviors.

CPSC Chair: With 700 Annual ATV Deaths, “These Vehicles Are Not Toys”
May 25, 2022, CPSC.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds consumers that safe riding is essential when enjoying outdoor trail time on their ATVs and other off-highway vehicles this summer. CPSC’s latest data show annual averages of more than 700 deaths and an estimated 100,000 ER-treated injuries involving off-highway vehicles.

“Keeping children safe is especially important. These vehicles are not toys and should be used only as directed,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “For their own safety, it is critical that riders younger than 16 drive only age-appropriate youth models, and never adult models. And they all should always drive safely and wear protective equipment.”

UK: Surge In Number Of Pedestrians Injured By E-Scooters
May 25, 2022, Yahoo Sports
The number of pedestrians injured by e-scooters was nearly four times higher in 2021 than the previous year, new figures show. Department for Transport statistics revealed that 223 people travelling on foot were wounded by e-scooters in Britain last year, including 63 who were seriously hurt. That is up from a total of 57 pedestrian casualties in 2020, which included just 13 serious injuries.

What Is Product Lifecycle Management? Organizing The Development Process
May 25. 2022. CIO
Product lifecycle management (PLM) is an enterprise discipline for managing the data and processes involved in the lifecycle of a product. This includes the stages of inception to engineering, design, manufacture, sales and support to disposal and retirement. PLM brings together people, data, processes, and business systems to aid an organization’s ability to develop, market and support its products.

Why You Need Standards: According To The National Institute Of Standards And Technology
May 23, 2022, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Standards that exist in science and technology have a great impact on our lives. Technical standards keep us safe, enable technology to advance and help businesses succeed. They quietly make the modern world tick and prevent technological problems that you might not realize could even happen.

The State Of U.S. State Privacy Laws: A Comparison
May 24, 2022, National Law Review
The chart in this article offers a high-level comparison of key features of the laws in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Utah and Virginia. In addition, businesses are subject to a host of other U.S. federal and state privacy, data security, and data breach notification laws in addition to these new comprehensive laws.

Louisiana House Votes Bill To Penalize Cellphone Use While Driving
May 23, 2022, Associated Press
Driving while using a handheld cellphone could become a traffic violation punishable by a ticket and fine under legislation approved recently by the Louisiana state house. The bill, which now goes to the state senate ensures that a violation will result only in a citation and fines, no arrests.

PFAS Litigation Expands Into “Mislabeling” Class Action Arena
May 25, 2022, JD Supra
An increasing number of class actions are being brought against consumer products companies, alleging false and misleading product labeling based on the presence of PFAS in their products. Companies will need to closely evaluate their label claims and manufacturing practices to mitigate these risks.

New To The Job: A Larger Number Of Inexperienced Workers Can Create Challenges For Safety Pros
May 26, 2022, Safety + Health
In 2020, nonfatal injuries among workers with less than three months on the job increased 8.4%, according to Injury Facts – an online source of preventable death and injury statistics compiled by the National Safety Council. When workers step into a new role, especially in an industry that’s also new to them, safety needs to be introduced immediately via the onboarding process.

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