CPSC Launches New Online Tool To Make It Easier For Businesses To Report Hazards And To Protect Consumers; Mandatory For Fast-Track Program In January 2022
December 20, 2021, CPSC.gov
Firms are required to report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission potentially hazardous products that they manufacture, distribute, import or sell. To encourage more online reporting of these potential hazards, CPSC will require firms to use a new, upgraded online reporting system for Fast Track recalls.

What Are The Most Common Toy-Related Injuries?
December 15,2021, KXAN
The CPSC reports an estimated 198,000 toy-related injuries were treated in ERs during 2020 including nine toy-related deaths. About 21% of the toy-related injuries were related to non-motorized scooters.

Make The Most Of One-On-One Meetings With Your Manager
December 23, 2021, Harvard Business Review
One-on-one meetings with your manager present valuable career opportunities. How can you make sure you’re getting the most out of them? Work with your manager to determine how meetings reflect your priorities and goals.

Fact Check: Lead Paint Was Banned Over Child Safety Concerns, Not Radiation Conspiracy
December 15, 2021, USA Today
The Consumer Product Safety Commission told USA TODAY the claim that lead paint was banned due to radiation is baseless. “The history of control of lead-based paint and other lead hazards is clear,” a CPSC spokesperson said.

Del Negro Keynotes “Communicating Product Safety” Free Webinar Series
December 2021, SPSP.org
Michael Del Negro, Vice President, Product Safety Compliance, Peloton Interactive, leads off the Society of Product Safety Professionals’ new webinar series. The series is scheduled for Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2022. Del Negro will address framing and identifying potential safety concerns in communications with senior executives and internal company stakeholders. Registration for the free webinar series is open.

CPSC Awards More Than $1.3 Million In Pool Safely Grants
December 23, 2021, CPSC.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) announced today five awardees of a grant program aimed at preventing pool and spa drownings as well as drain entrapments.

Opinion: In An Era Of Unrealistic Expectations On Moms, Product Safety Is A Feminist Issue
December 21, 2021, Ms. Magazine
In an era of “intensive mothering,” as mothers are expected to optimize their child’s potential through enriching activities and carefully curated nutrition, responsibility for infant and child safety is often gendered as a mother’s primary task.

New Australian Safety Standard For Portable Non-Aerosol Fire Extinguishers
December 20, 2021, Mirage
A new mandatory safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers, published by the Australian Government will improve existing performance and identification requirements, to reduce the risk of a fire extinguisher not operating correctly during a fire.

10 Biggest U.S. Product Recalls Of All Times
October 22, 2020, Berkley Group
Recalls are a nightmare for all involved. The consumers, investors, and companies involved can all agree—they hate recalls. Consumers often face the inconvenience of faulty products or much worse—injuries, illnesses, and even death. For manufacturers, suppliers or investors, product recalls can wreak havoc on brand reputations, bottom lines and share prices. Let’s look at the magnitude of damage caused by product recalls by reviewing some of the biggest cases in history published by Kiplinger.

CO Poisoning: A Rising Risk As Consumers Buy More Home Generators
December 24, 2021, JD Supra
If you or someone you know has concerns enough about extreme weather events and the electrical failures that too often accompany them to look into buying a portable generator, be sure to take great care to examine the pricey device’s safety features. Thousands of consumers have been poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide (CO) fumes from emergency household generators, according to ProPublica, the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative site.

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Consumer Reports Investigation Finds Product Safety Warning System Is Broken
December 2021, Consumer Reports
When it comes to removing dangerous products from the marketplace, most of us assume that government regulators are able to move quickly to protect us. But that’s not always true. A new Consumer Reports investigation has found a broken system within the Consumer Product Safety Commission, leaving unsuspecting consumers vulnerable to injuries or even death from dangerous products.

Bouncy Castle Accident Kills 5 Children In Australia
December 16, 2021, Fox News
The Consumer Product Safety Commission bounce houses are “not without risk” with 12 deaths being reported to the agency from 2003-2013. The CPSC estimated more than 18,000 injuries associated with bounce houses which were treated in hospital ERs

IDEO’s Sandy Speicher Asks: What Is An Office Even For
December 17, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Sandy Speicher is CEO of IDEO, the consulting firm that helped revolutionize how the businesses think about innovation. She discusses how companies can design future workplaces and processes to thrive amid the disruptions of the past few years.

Product Recalls Across Industries Increased In Q3
December 14,2021, NU Property Casualty 360
The rate of product recalls increased during that Q3 compared with the prior 3-month period, says Sedgwick. Their Q3 analysis reports a slew of business challenges. They conclude increased regulator pressure will continue to drive recalls into 2022.

Speaking Of Talk: Make The Most Of Pop-Up Conversations And Meetings
You never know whether you’ll run into your CEO on an elevator or need a quick presentation for the product design group. Is your product safety message up to date? Sign up today for the latest thinking by industry leaders on Communicating Product Safety through SPSP’s free webinar series Jan. 25-Feb. 1.

Proposition 65: OEHHA Modifies Proposed Changes To “Short-Form” Warnings
December 14, 2021, National Law Review
OEHHA’s regulations provide an option for a “short-form” warning as an acceptable alternative to the revised requirements for consumer product exposure warnings. This option requires the hazard symbol, the word “warning” in capital letters and bold print — WARNING — and a reference to OEHHA’s website, but importantly does not require a company to name a listed chemical within the text of the warning.

Hong Kong Consults Over New Standards For Toys
And Children’s Products
December 15, 2021, Market Screener
On December 1, 2021, Hong Kong announced a one-month consultation on its proposal to adopt up-to-date standards for toys and six categories of Schedule 2 Products. This stems from revisions to international standards or standards adopted by major economies so that they are applied to products supplied in Hong Kong.

Opinion: Generators Poison Thousands Annually. The U.S. Has Failed To Force Safety Changes.
December 17, 2021, NBC News
Portable generators, which emit carbon monoxide, are among the deadliest consumer products. Two decades after the government identified the danger, people are left vulnerable by a system that lets the industry regulate itself.

Study Estimates Risk Of Chemicals In Products To Young Children
December 16, 2021, IISD Knowledge Hub
The study aims to develop a mouthing exposure model to predict migration into saliva, mouthing exposure, and related health risks from a range of chemical-material combinations in children’s products. The model represents a green and sustainable chemistry tool that industries can apply to assess whether the chemicals present in their products could pose a risk to children.

CPSC Issues Life-Saving Tips To Millions After Deadly Tornadoes
December 14, 2021, CPSC.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers in state devasted by recent tornadoes to take steps to prevent further harm and reminds them to protect themselves against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fires.

Silence Isn’t Golden: Failure To Report Consumer Product Safety Issues Results In Rare $91 Million Criminal Penalty.
November 5, 2021, Consumer Products Law
In one of the most significant developments in product safety law over the past decade, Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai, Hong Kong Gree Electric Appliances Sales Co. Ltd., and Gree USA Inc. have pled guilty to willfully failing to report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission under Section 15(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the CPSC, the Gree Companies knew their dehumidifiers were defective, failed to meet applicable safety standards, and could catch fire, but failed to timely report that information to the CPSC.

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Tesla Solar Roof Fires Subject Of Federal Investigations
December 8, 2021, Dive/Wire
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Security and Exchange Commission are investigating Tesla over solar panel fire risks, say reports from CNBC and Reuters. The issue would affect more than 60,000 residential and 500 commercial or government customers, Reuters says.

Company CEO Defends Instagram’s Safeguards
December 8, 2021, National Public Radio
Senators grilled the head of Instagram about the app’s effects on children, attempting to extract various commitments from the company. But Adam Mosseri defended the app, touting existing safeguards and some that the company plans to roll out.

Walgreens CEO: Put Phones Away And Listen To Employees
December 9, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Rosalind Brewer is one of only two Black female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Here, she talks about the challenges of walking into a new company or industry and projecting the confidence you need to be able to do your job from day one.

$30 Million Of Fake Handbags And Clothing Seized By CBP
December 5, 2021, WDJT-Milwaukee
US customs officers seized more than $30 million worth of fake designer handbags and clothing, Customs and Border Protection officials said. The 13,586 items, shipped from China, had an estimated recommended retail price of $30,437,775, CBP said.

Surgeons Urge Parents Not To Buy Toys Containing Magnets
December 8, 2021, Shropshire Star
The UK’s top pediatric surgeons have urged parents not to buy toys containing magnets following a dramatic rise in children needing operations after swallowing them. The Children’s Surgery Foundation issued the warning after a five-fold increase in children swallowing the small, increasingly powerful magnets in the last five years.

Adult Portable Bed Rails Recalled After 2 People Die
December 2, 2021, NPR
More than 496,000 adult bed rails have been voluntarily recalled due to the risk of entrapment and asphyxiation. In both reported deaths, the CPSC said the bed rails were not securely attached to the bed.

Seasons Change, But Fire And Carbon Monoxide Safety Is Year-Round: Warm Up To CPSC’s Tips For Staying Safe During Colder Weather
December 7, 2021, Yahoo Finance
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning to be vigilant about fire and carbon monoxide (CO) hazards in the colder winter months ahead. The dangers, although present across all populations, disproportionally affect certain communities. According to CPSC’s Residential Fire Loss Estimates report, African Americans have the highest rate of fire deaths, nearly twice the overall rate across the population. In addition, African Americans represent 22 percent of portable generator-related CO deaths, nearly 170 from 2010-2020.

Toy Association Executive Testifies At Senate Hearing On Toy Safety
December 2, 2021, The Toy Association
Joan Lawrence, Toy Association senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs, recently testified at a Senate subcommittee hearing addressing product safety around the holidays. She spoke of the year-round commitment of The Toy Association and its members to toy safety and of their leadership in developing standards

Consumer Protection: 2021 Data On The EU Rapid Alert System
December 6, 2021, EU Reporter
Fresh data shows that more than 1,800 alerts between member state authorities have been circulated on the system. Most of these alerts concern motor vehicles or related products and toys. The most common risks related to dangerous products in 2021 were injuries (28%) or risks caused by chemicals (23%).

E-scooter Safety Campaign Rolls Out In Two Australian Cites
December 9,2021, Tasmanian Times
An e-scooter safety campaign is being rolled out as the new ‘micromobility’ hire systems are about to commence operation in Hobart and Launceston. The campaign will include short videos to remind users about responsible parking, no drink riding and wearing a helmet.

100’s Of Potentially Deadly Toys Removed From Australia’s Malls
December 10, 2021, International Business Times
A toy safety compliance blitz is underway in Australia as parents seek cheap presents. NSW Fair Trading officers formed ‘Operation Safe Toy’ to crackdown on playthings that put kids at risk – even raiding warehouses peddling the dangerous products. Hundreds of dodgy toys have already been stripped from shelves with some carrying hazards that may be difficult spot.

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Another New Face At The CPSC As Trumka Confirmed
November 17, 2021, National Law Review
Trumka’s arrival will still leave the Commission one short of its full five-member complement and at a 2-2 party count. Mary Boyle, currently the agency’s Executive Director has been nominated for the vacant seat on the body. She has not yet been voted out of the Senate Commerce Committee. With less than three weeks left on the current Senate calendar, it is unclear if time remains for Boyle to clear both the committee and the Senate floor.

Statement Of Richard Trumka Jr. Nominee, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
July 28, 2021, CPSC
“I am here today because I believe that all people deserve to be protected from the dangers they can’t see. Both of my grandfathers were proud coal miners. They worked hard every day. And like too many miners of their generation, they both died of black lung, a painful disease that they got from years of breathing in coal dust. It was a danger they couldn’t see until it was too late.” Trumka said in his statement.

The Work Of Leadership
November 2021, Harvard Business Review
Companies today face adaptive challenges that constantly force them to clarify values, develop new strategies and learn new ways to operate. The most important task for leaders facing these challenges is mobilizing people to do adaptive work.

UK: 17,500+ Illegal Items Seized During Oxford Street Raids
November 19, 2021, YahooSport
Police found an “astonishing” haul of knock-off designer goods and illegal items in recent raids. More than 17,500 items were confiscated. These included 11,000 items including unsafe toys, counterfeit clothing and nicotine products.

Deaths Of 2 Kids Who Ingested Tiny Magnets Prompts Warning
November 23, 2021, NBC 5 Chicago
A 14-month-old is among 3 deaths since 2018 from small magnet ingestion that NBC 5 Responds uncovered. Since a ban on high-powered tiny magnets was overturned in 2016, injuries caused by ingestion have risen by more than 530%.

Toy Association Responds To The ‘Top 10 Worst Toys’ 2021
November 18, 2021, HometownStation.com
The Toy Association recently expressed disapproval of the W.A.T.C.H ‘Top 10 Worst Toys’ List, assuring the public that each and every toy under the Toy Association goes through over 100 tests mandated by the federal government.

TV, Furniture On Your Holiday Gift List? Add In An ‘Anti-Tip-Over’ Kit
November 21, 2021, HealthDaI
If you buy or get items such as furniture or TVs during the holidays, be sure to get anti-tip-over kits for them to protect your children, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says. From 2017 through 2019, an average of 11,100 U.S. children were treated each year in ERs from tip-overs. And between 2000 and 2019, 469 children aged 17 and younger were killed by furniture and TV tip-overs.

Apple Watch Wrist Burn Results In Florida Lawsuit
November 22, 2021, The Free Press
A lawsuit has been filed in the Hillsborough County courts by an Apple watch customer who allegedly suffered a wrist burn that occurred “suddenly and without warning.” Both Apple, Inc. and Best Buy of Minnesota are co-defendants in the case which seeks a trial by jury. Apple’s wristwatches have been the target of various legal complaints, ranging from alleged medically-related patent infringement, defective watch screens, and burns surmised by some as the possible result of defective lithium-ion batteries or third-party wrist bands.

Australian Online Retailers Turn To AI And Web-Crawling To Identify Unsafe Product Listings
November 18, 2021, ZDNet
The adoption of new technology by online businesses that had signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge resulted in the removal of over 90% of product listings within two business days of being deemed unsafe, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported. According to the ACCC’s inaugural Australian Product Safety Pledge, an average of 92.4% of unsafe product listings were removed by signatories within two business days after consulting a variety of information sources.

Deck The Halls While Avoiding Falls And Other Disasters This Holiday Season
November 25, 2021, Fox News 5
Americans are decking the halls for the next big holiday, but don’t let your Christmas or Hanukkah decorations force you to make an unscheduled stop at Urgent Care or the Emergency Room. The Consumer Product Safety Commission released a new study that found there is an average of 160 decorating-related injuries every day during the holiday season. The CPSC said that adds up to about 14,800 people being treated in emergency rooms in 2019. Nearly half of the injuries involved a fall of some kind.

Knowing When It’s Time To Replace Bath Toys
November 21, 2021, BabyGaga
Many bath toys are nothing more than a petri dish for bacteria and if not careful can negatively affect babies and toddlers. This is why parents need to know signs that it is time to replace bath toys. Here is how to know when to replace bath toys.

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Another New Face At The CPSC As Senate Confirms Richard Trumka. Jr., For Commission Position
November 17, 2021, National Law Review
Richard Trumka, Jr., nominated by President Biden for a seat on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was confirmed last week by a unanimous voice vote in the Senate. When he takes his oath of office, which will likely be within a week or two, Trumka will take the seat of fellow Democrat and former Acting Chair Bob Adler, whose term expired October 27.

Newer Consumer Product Industry CEOs More Likely To Issue Recalls Than Veteran Leaders
November 16, 2021, Newswise
“We believe this is the case because newly tenured CEOs can attribute blame for the recall to the previous CEO,” said George Ball, associate professor at the Indiana University School of Business. Ball is co-author of a new study of 25 years of recalls at publicly traded companies that says newly tenured CEOs in the consumer products industry are more likely to announce a product safety recall than CEOs who have been in the position longer.

A New Crisis Playbook For An Uncertain World
November 17, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Over the next 20 years climate change, globalization and inequality will create uncertainty that will make the previous 2 decades look stable. For smart firms, preparing for crisis will mean calculating risks and developing stronger social licenses.

5 Things To Remember When Shopping For Toys This Christmas
November 16, 2021, Lovin Dublin
When it comes to toy safety, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has loads of advice on their site to help in shopping. From making sure toys meet regulations to researching online sellers, you can find loads of helpful info there.

Phthalates’ Standards May Not Protect People’s Health
November 17, 2021, Environmental Health News
Focusing on 5 of the “worst-offender” phthalates, a new study says “safe” limits on exposure by regulatory authorities may not adequately protect public health. The study was published in the journal Environmental Health.

Unsafe Sleep Products To Keep Out Of The Crib
November 18, 2021, Yahoo News
New parents will do just about anything to encourage their babies to sleep soundly. While they might be tempted to surround them with cozy blankets and stuffed animals, placing any product inside a baby’s crib can create an unsafe condition.

Making A List, Checking It Twice: Tips For Celebrating Safely This Holiday Season
November 18, 2021, CPSC.gov
As people nationwide prepare to celebrate the holidays, new data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights the importance of taking safety precautions to avoid potential dangers associated with common holiday products and traditions.

Clues You’re Probably Not Using This Soft Skill To Your Advantage
November 5, 2021, Forbes
There’s nothing worse than a clueless boss or colleague who’s oblivious to everything and everyone around them. They’re the folks who haven’t tapped into the power of awareness, the soft skill that helps you better understand yourself, others and your environment.

How Development Leaders Can Help Curb The Great Resignation
November 13, 2021, Forbes
Learning and development leaders play a key role in retaining, attracting top talent and inspiring and facilitating change. TalentLMS research says limited career progression and a lack of learning opportunities are the top reasons why 72% of tech employees say they’re thinking of quitting their jobs in the next year.

The CPSC Warns Water Your Christmas Tree “Or Else”
November 16, 2021, CNN
The Consumer Product Safety Commission tweeted this image as a warning about dry Christmas trees. From 2015 to 2017 there was an average of 100 tree fires and 1,100 candle fires, the CPSC says, resulting in 20 deaths, 160 injuries and about $50 million in property damage each year.

Australian Product Safety Pledge Improves Consumer Safety Online
November 19, 2021, Mirage
Over 90 per cent of identified unsafe product listings were removed within two business days by online businesses signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge. The voluntary initiative commits signatories to 12 product safety actions, that go beyond ordinary legal requirements, and which aim to prevent the sale of unsafe goods online. Some of the new innovations used by current signatories include predictive technology and web crawling to ensure that unsafe product listings are removed as soon as possible.

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New CPSC Chairman Says, “Growing Reliance On E-Commerce Has Challenges
October 27, 2021, CPSC.gov
“Since arriving at the CPSC a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been getting to know the hard-working, dedicated staff and have started to build upon the good work of my predecessors to enhance consumer product safety,” Alexander Hoehn-Saric said. ” We have a lot of work ahead of us. Starting with tackling the challenges associated with consumers’ growing reliance on e-commerce, the increasing complexity of products and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he continued.

Study: E-Bike Sales Up 240%. Risk – Fires, Injuries, Deaths
November 10, 2021, SmartCitiesDive
Fire department and safety officials are warning consumers and dealers to take precautions with electric bikes and scooters after an increase in dangerous battery fires. So far this year, the New York City Fire Department reported 72 injuries and three deaths.

Strategies To Help You Influence How Decisions Are Made
November 11, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Negotiators who understand the most common decision rules — majority rule, chair decides and unanimity/consensus. They also know how to navigate each for more favorable outcomes and to increase their influence beyond their formal authority.

AAP Partners With Amazon To Help keep Infants Safe From Preventable Sleep-Related Injuries
November 10, 2021, American Academy of Pediatrics Newsroom
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced a new collaboration to provide parents and families in under-resourced communities with information and important baby gear to help keep infants safe while they sleep. AAP has partnered with Amazon and five children’s’ hospitals on a multi-year commitment to support this new initiative.

Washington State Begins Rulemaking For 2021 Plastics Law
November 11, 2021, Daily Fly
The Department of Ecology has begun rulemaking that focuses on the recycled content portion of the 2021 plastics law. They will establish how it determines producer fees, oversight, and enforcement of the recycled content program.

Bike Riding Safety After 55% Surge In Traffic Volume
November 11, 2021, Consumer Reports
As both automotive and pedestrian traffic returns to near-pre-pandemic levels, it’s important, especially for people who took up cycling on streets that were almost deserted, to be ride safely when heading out on two wheels.

US Regulators Award Hyundai-Kia Whistleblower $24M In Engine Recall Case
November 9, 2021, NBC
The U.S. government road safety agency has paid more than $24 million to a whistleblower who reported that Hyundai and Kia moved too slowly to recall over 1 million vehicles with engine problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the award to ex-Hyundai Motor engineer Kim Gwang-ho is the first it has paid to a whistleblower. It’s also the maximum percentage allowed under a new federal program that entitles employees who report fraud to receive up to 30% of penalties paid by the automakers.

Kids Could Get Trapped Inside Wooden Playsets – So Thousands Now Recalled, Officials Say
November 9, 2021, The Raleigh News & Observer
Thousands of backyard playsets have been recalled over fears children could get trapped inside, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said. Several kinds of playsets have been recalled because parts used pose a threat to kids.

Doncaster UK Council Trading Standards Seizes 1000+ Illegal Items
November 10, 2021, Doncaster Council
Trading Standards at Doncaster Council completed a week of enforcement action focusing on businesses selling illegal and counterfeit items. Officers seized more than 1,000 unsafe or counterfeit items including toys, scooters, ornaments and watches.

Sounding The Alarm For Carbon Monoxide Safety, Detection
November 10, 2021, Duids
November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an average of about 170 people in the US die every year from CO from furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters, portable generators and fireplaces.

Five Everyday Items At Home That You Should Keep Out Of Your Child’s Reach
November 10, 2021, YouTube
Many day-to-day housekeeping products are poisonous and in particular, dangerous for children. ShowFit lists some daily products that you should always keep out of your children’s reach. Watch the video to know more.

New Ohio Fireworks Law: What You Need To Know About Safety, Holidays And More
November 11, 2021, Columbus Dispatch
Starting next year, Ohioans can light off bottle rockets, Roman candles and more while celebrating certain holidays. Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation to revamp the state’s fireworks law after a years-long push by the industry to legalize their use. Ohio previously only allowed consumers to use sparklers and a handful of other pyrotechnics

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Media Report: Listing Linked To Infant Deaths Found On Facebook Marketplace
November 4, 2021, The Hill
Recalled items associated with infant deaths are still being sold on Facebook Marketplace, according to reporting from USA Today. The outlet uncovered listings for 14 different recalled products that are linked to 121 infant deaths and almost 400 incidents or serious injuries.

Does Your Child’s Car Seat Meet Federal Safety Standards?
November 1, 2021, NBC News 5 DFW
A Texas family shopped online for a car seat and a stroller system. When a technician at a children’s hospital saw the car seat, she had questions. The car seat was missing key information that would have shown if it passed federal safety standards.

Make Learning A Part Of Your Daily Routine
November 4, 2021, Harvard Business Review
In our increasingly “squiggly” careers, the ability to unlearn, learn, and relearn is vital for long-term success. Adaptive, proactive learners are highly prized. Here are several techniques to help make learning part of your day-to-day development.

Resisting Government Regulation, E-retail Industry Says Counterfeit Problem Is Under Control
November 3, 2021, Courthouse News Service
Representatives for the Amazons and eBays of the world pushed back against legislation that the Senate Judiciary Committee is considering to make e-retailers crack down on the counterfeiters who use their platforms. The proposed legislation includes the bipartisan INFORM Consumers Act, introduced by Democrat Dick Durbin and Republican Chuck Grassley and the SHOP SAFE Act, introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D) and Thom Tillis (R).

Private E-scooters Have ‘Safety Concerns’ Says Industry CEO
November 6, 2021, Express
Private scooters come with major “safety concerns” and are “less safe” than those available under rental schemes, says an official of a motoring assistance rating organization.

Agencies Update Health Warning For Aromatherapy Spray
November 3, 2021, WDJT-Milwaukee
Federal agencies widened recalls about aromatherapy sprays linked to fatal cases of a rare disease. People who have bought sprays containing “gemstones” should pack them and send them in for refunds, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Angry Consumers Say Faulty Samsung Refrigerators Should Be Recalled
November 5, 2021, WFTS ABC News Tampa
Over 80,000 people have joined a Facebook group for Samsung customers who say their refrigerators are defective. Many of those complaining said the ice maker doesn’t work or the unit doesn’t stay cold. A recall has not been issued yet.

Freak GOP Majority At Consumer Agency Goes Mad With Power
October 21, 2021, Wonkette
Just in case anyone was under any illusions about how government works when Republicans are in power, the Washington Post reminded us with a fun little jaw-dropper about what happened in September when, thanks to a delay in confirming Joe Biden’s appointees, Republicans briefly held a majority on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. After glancing around and noticing there were two of them and just one Democrat, the two Republican members of the committee rushed to chop out upcoming regulations from the agency’s annual plan.

Supplier Viewpoint: Amazon Makes It Easier For Consumers To Complain About Faulty Products From Third Party Vendors
November 3, 3021, EIN Newswire
Amazon now allows consumers to directly file claims for products and will review the claims using both independent fraud detection and fraud specialists. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sued Amazon last month to make it recall defective products that were sold by sellers on its marketplace.

2021 Study Find Million Consuming Toxic Chemicals In Household Water
November 3, 2021, The Hill
The Environmental Working Group 2021 Tap Water Database, available last week, revealed contamination from toxins like arsenic, lead and “forever chemicals”, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, in the water of tens of millions of American households.

Portable Generator Safety Tips Offered
November 2, 2021, Louisville Courier Journal
As convenient as they are, generators are not without their safety hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 80 deaths occur each year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning from generators. And generators also pose potential electrocution and fire safety hazards. Before starting your generator, consider these safety tips.

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Gree Appliance Companies Charged With Failure To Report Dangerous Dehumidifiers And Agrees To $91 Million Resolution
October 29, 2021, Department of Justice, Justice News
A Chinese appliance manufacturer and two of its subsidiaries have agreed to resolve criminal charges for failing to notify the Consumer Product Safety Commission that millions of dehumidifiers they sold to U.S. consumers were defective and could catch fire. The resolutions are the first corporate criminal enforcement actions ever brought under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The companies entered into a deferred prosecution agreement in connection with a criminal information filed in the U.S. District Court in California.

Analysis: How Republicans Used Senate Delays To Make Changes At U.S. Product Safety Regulator. Critics Call It A ‘Power Grab’ That Puts Public At Risk.
October 28, 2021, Washington Post
A short-lived Republican majority atop the nation’s product safety regulator — the result of Senate delays in confirming Democratic nominees — recently pushed through dozens of last-minute changes to the agency’s annual plan, slowing work on some safety rules and abandoning at least one enforcement effort altogether.

Consumers Waiting Longer For Repairs, Replacements Of Recalled Products Due To Pandemic
October 29, 2021, WTMJ-TV
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports staffing, and supply chain issues are impacting the recall process. Meaning depending on the recalled product, consumers may have to wait longer for a repair or replacement. A spokesperson for the federal agency said there are “no refund delays for the most part” but “some replacement delays up to several months.”

When Pitching An Idea, Should You Focus On “Why” Or “How”?
October 28, 2021, Harvard Business Review
There are two camps on the most effective way to frame an innovative idea. Which one is right? It depends on the audience. A research project says if you’re making a pitch to novices, focus on why. If you’re making it to experts, focus on how.

Booster Seat Safety Bill Would Protect Children In Car Crashes
October 26, 2021, ProPublica
Congress recently introduced the Booster Seat Safety Act that would establish the most sweeping safety rules for booster seats in over 2 decades after determining that makers of car seats misled parents about their risks and endangered children.

Meliodosis: Behind Walmart’s Recall of Better Homes & Gardens Aromatherapy Spray
October 27,2021, KAUZ CBS 6
An outbreak of meliodosis has been traced back to an aromatherapy room spray, commonly sold in Walmart, which announced the recall this past week. Also known as Whitmore’s disease, meliodosis can be spread to both humans and animals through direct contact with contaminated soil and water.

67,000 myCharge Powerbanks Recalled Due To Fire Hazard
October 28, 2021, Consumer Reports
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been 30 incident reports of the myCharge powerbanks overheating/igniting. The incidents resulted in 7 injuries including burns to the upper body, hands, legs and feet.

Guest Column: How Divergence Between EU And UK Chemical Regulation Is Becoming Inevitable
October 26, 2021, Chemical Watch
Chemical supply chains are global and fluid, and international businesses operating in them can often be heard asking for greater alignment and common rules, to ensure that non-tariff barriers to trade are minimized. However, the particular fascination of the UK’s exit from the EU is that both markets start with a common rulebook, and the question instead is how much the two regimes will diverge.

For Evidence Of Inflation, Look No Further Than Kids’ Feet
October 26, 2021, CBS News
Americans are paying more for everything as supply-chain snags help drive prices higher. Another place where parents are feeling the pinch? Their children’s feet. In September, kids’ shoe prices around the U.S. were up almost 12% compared with a year ago, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Consumer Alert: New York State Reminds Consumers To Purchase Cordless Window Treatments
October 26, 2021, WNY Papers
During National Window Covering Safety Month, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection is alerting families to go cordless for all window coverings. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that an average of nine children die per year from strangulation due to window treatment cords and, from 2009 to 2020, another 200 children suffered serious injury.

Beyond Good Intentions: Navigating The Ethical Dilemmas Facing The Technology Industry
October 27, 2021, Deloitte
A more holistic approach to the major ethical dilemmas facing today’s technology industry can help companies differentiate, preserve their reputations, and better prepare for and protect the future.

Honoring Our Heroes
SPSP Website
SPSP makes a permanent home for the salute poster at its website.

Couple Sues Stroller Company After Death Of 1-Year-Old Daughter
October 22, 2021, Springfield News Leader
A Republic, MO couple is suing Baby Trend, Inc. — the makers of the Sit N’ Stand stroller — after they say their 14-month-old daughter, Sarah, died from getting her neck lodged between the armrest and canopy of the stroller.

CBP, CPSC Seize Toys Excessively Coated In Dangerous Chemicals
October 21, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Consumer Product Safety Commission analysis revealed the toys were coated in lead, cadmium and barium that exceeded safe levels. CPSC directed Customs and Border Protection to seize the remaining shipment in accordance with the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. The toys were going to Fairfax County, VA.

5 Things High Performing Teams Do Differently
October 5, 2021, Harvard Business Review
New research suggests that the highest-performing teams have found ways to leverage social connections during the pandemic to fuel success. The findings offer clues on ways to foster greater connectedness to engineer higher-performing teams.

Johnson & Johnson: Seeks Bankruptcy To Resolve 40,000 Suits
October 20, 2021, ABC News
Citing what it calls an “unrelenting assault” by greedy lawyers, J&J hopes to use the bankruptcy to dispose of 40,000 suits that claim its baby powder products caused cancer. A J&J subsidiary created to hold the liabilities is filing for chapter 11.

UK Charts Post-Brexit Path With AI Strategy
September 22, 2021, Politico
The U.K. wants the world to know that unlike in Brussels, it will not bother AI innovators with regulatory drama. While the EU frets about risky AI and product safety, the U.K.’s AI strategy, promises to create a “pro-innovation” environment that will make the country an attractive place to develop and deploy artificial intelligence technologies.

Tricks To Keep Kids Safe And out Of The Hospital This Halloween
October 21, 2021, ABC Action News WTFS Tampa
When getting costumes ready and carving pumpkins for Halloween, here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure the spooky holiday doesn’t end in an emergency room scare. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says pumpkin carving and falls cause most injuries.

Proposed Restrictions On Prop 65 Short-Form Warnings
September 19, 2021, EHS Daily Advisor
Changes to California’s Proposition 65 short form warning label regulations are expected soon. Once adopted, impacted industry will have 1 one year to comply. The California publishes a list of about 900 chemicals that require warning labels.

New Zealand Companies In Hot Water For Selling Unsafe Hot Water Bottles And Toys
October 20, 2021, Consumer.
A budget gift store and a wholesaler have been fined $140,000 for selling toys that failed safety standards and hot water bottles that posed safety risks. The company has recalled the hot water bottles from sale.

As Scooters Gain Popularity, Scooter Safety Comes Into Question
October 20, 2021, Globe and Mail
E-scooter sharing companies count on people to use their heads to keep themselves, and everyone else, safe. That means: don’t leave a scooter lying in the middle of the sidewalk, don’t use it for an illegal tipsy ride home and don’t ride without a helmet.

Is There A “California Effect” In Data Privacy Law? Why The EU Is Not The World’s Privacy Cop
October 21, 2021, Chicago Booth
It is common lore in data privacy law that stringent regulatory standards can spread to other jurisdictions as the result of the “California Effect.” One explanation is that it can be costly to treat consumers in different jurisdictions differently.

Honoring Our Heroes
SPSP Website
SPSP makes a permanent home for the salute poster at its website.