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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Family Grieves After 1-Yr-Old Strangles In Window Blind Cord
October 4, 2021, ABC News 4
Christopher Elkins was playing with his sister. “The father went out of the room to switch laundry,” said his aunt. “And when he came back in, Christopher was hanging from his neck by the cords. In the blind cords.” Christopher died 2 days later.

SIDS Still One Of Top Causes Of Baby Death In Oklahoma
October 5, 2021, Oklahoma News 4
October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. SIDS is the third leading cause of infant death in Oklahoma, despite major improvements in reducing infant deaths in the state over recent years, says the State Department of Health.

Re-Entry Stress Is Contagious. Here’s How To Protect Yourself.
October 12, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Managers need to protect against re-entry stress as absorbing direct reports’ emotions will fuel greater angst and a cycle of fear. Here are strategies to avoid being an emotional sponge while being empathetic to your team’s needs and concerns.

Children’s Brain Development At Risk Due To Common Chemicals
October 6, 2021, news-medical.net
Chemicals increasingly used as flame retardants and plasticizers pose a larger risk to children’s brain development than previously thought, according to a commentary published in Environmental Health Perspectives.

UK: Make Sure Toys You Buy Online Are Safe For Children?
October 8, 2021, Metro.com
Buying from online sellers is becoming increasingly commonplace. In fact, according to a Populus survey for Which? nine in 10 people in the UK have bought a consumer good from an online marketplace. But how do we know what we are buying is safe?

Zuckerberg Notes On Privacy Haunt Facebook In Lawsuit
October 7, 2021, livemint.com
Facebook was ordered by a court-appointed referee to search for any personal notes by the company founder that haven’t been destroyed and might be relevant to a consumer lawsuit accusing the social networking giant of failing to safeguard privacy.

UK Study: To What Extent Can Penalties For Non-Compliance With Safety Regulations Have Unintended Effects?
October 7, 2021, SHP Online
An independent report examines the extent to which penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations can have unintended effects, depending on whether they are equal or unequal, and whether the information concerning them is accessible or inaccessible. It draws on a compliance study with 666 UK participants, who played the role of the owner of a business manufacturing toys.

Boeing’s Chief Test Pilot Indicted For Fraud Over 737 Max Crashes
October 14, 2021, Washington Post
A former chief test pilot for Boeing has been charged with allegedly lying to federal authorities about a part of the flight controls on 737 Max airplanes — a model that led to horrific crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed hundreds of people.

UK Petition: Regulate Online Marketplaces, Preventing Third-Parties Selling Unsafe Products
October 7, 2021, Petition.parliament.uk
Online marketplaces are not deemed retailers and have no legal responsibility for ensuring product safety. The British Toy and Hobby Association is calling for changes to legislation, preventing third parties selling unsafe products to UK consumers.

Newsome Signs Laws Banning Forever Chemicals In Children’s Products
October 6, 2021, The Hill
California Gov. Newsome recently signed 2 laws banning use of toxic “forever chemicals” in children’s products and disposable food packaging, as well as a package of bills to overhaul the state’s recycling operations his office said in a statement.

Experts Offer Window Blind Safety Tips For Families With Small Children
October 7, 2021, KETK/Fox news
“The highest risk group are between ages of 1 and 4. This is when they gain mobility, they’re toddlers, they’re curious, they explore their environment, but they have no idea what’s dangerous,” according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Gary Smith.

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

Alexander Hoehn-Saric Confirmed As New CPSC Chair
October 8, 2021, National Law Review
Alexander Hoehn-Saric, nominated by President Biden for both a seat on the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the chairmanship of that body, was confirmed by the Senate last week by a unanimous voice vote. When he takes his oath of office, Hoehn-Saric will be CPSC’s first permanent chair in more than four years. Richard Trumka, Jr.’s nomination cleared the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and is available for a floor vote, but it’s not clear when that will occur. Mary Boyle, currently the agency’s Executive Director and a longtime CPSC staffer, has also been nominated for a currently vacant seat, but her nomination has not yet cleared the Senate Commerce Committee.

Data Shows That Residential Fire Fatality Rate Nearly Twice National Average In Black Communities
October 5, 2021, American Cities and Counties
Between 2016 and 2018, more than 7,000 Americans died in residential house fires. The data, and a statement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, reveals that fatal residential fires disproportionately effect Black communities. Based on the commission’s most recent Residential Fire Loss Estimates report, across all races, Black people were nearly twice as likely to perish in a residential fire than the national average rate.

Start Tackling That Big Goal You’ve Been Putting Off
September 20, 2021, Harvard Business Review
We’re all busy. When a goal seems onerous or the path towards it is unclear, it’s often easier to do nothing and push it off to another day. Here are 3 strategies to help accomplish our goals, even when the process may be frustrating or challenging.

UK: Nearly Half Of Toys Bought Online Are ‘Unsafe’
October 5, 2021, Sky News
Nearly half the toys purchased from third-party sellers online were unsafe, a new study has found. The study commissioned by the British Toy and Hobby Association found many of the items could choke, strangle, burn, poison and electrocute children.

Opinion: California PFAS Actions Will Lead To Millions In Business Costs
October 5, 2021, National Law Review
OEHAA recently issued the hazard identification document that claims PFAS actions could cost millions to business. The intent of OEHAA and the state of California is clear. They wish to aggressively regulate PFAS, and they intend to do so well beyond just PFOA and PFOS, which are the subject of legislative or regulatory action in several states. There is little doubt that the various listings under Prop 65 will take place.

Safety First: Avoiding Falls In The Fall
October 6, 2021, News4Jax
Fall is a fitting name when it comes to seasonal injuries. Federal statistics show falls are more common in autumn and most involve lights and decorations. Here are some decorating do’s and don’ts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

‘Right To Repair’ Law May Run Into The Changing Definition Of ‘Ownership’
October 2, 2021, MarketWatch
That notion of a continuing contract between buyer and seller instead of the purchase of a physical good has become contentious with the rise of the right-to-repair movement. The intention is to give consumers the right to repair a product if it breaks, instead of being forced to buy a new one or pay the original manufacturer to repair it.

Recent Activity On Infant And Child Safety
October 7, 2021, National Law Review
The House passed two bills recently aimed at protecting infants and children from potentially dangerous furniture. First, the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (“STURDY”) Act would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make new mandatory rules for furniture stability.1 Second, the Safe Sleep for Babies Act would forbid the sale of padded crib bumpers and inclined sleep products for infants.2 These bills follow a recent vote by the CPSC to impose new standards on inclined sleepers. Manufacturers and retailers should look out for any Senate action taken on the two new bills and additional CPSC activity in these areas.

Calls For Immediate Action On E-Scooters As Casualty Figures Revealed For The First Time
October 4, 2021, The Scotsman
Immediate action on e-scooters is needed to address the number of people injured and killed while riding the devices, according to a leading road safety charity.

CPSC To Consumers: The Safest Window Coverings When Young Children Are Present Are Cordless
October 5, 2021, CPSC.gov
Window covering cords hazardous to children, so the Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to choose cordless window coverings. Pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords or any other accessible cords are dangerous to young children.

CPSC Advises: Learn The Sounds Of Fire Safety To Avoid Danger
October 4, 2021, ABC News 12
Knowing what to do in a house fire can save lives. Fire Prevention Week was Oct. 3-9. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Association wants everyone to learn the sounds of safety from smoke and CO alarms.

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

E-scooter, E-Bike And Hoverboard Injuries Up 70% During The Past 4 Years
September 30, 2021, cpsc.gov
Advance data from a soon-to-be-released CPSC report on hazard patterns associated with micromobility products says injuries and deaths continue to rise. There were more than 190,000 ER visits due to all micromobility products from 2017 through 2020. ED visits had a steady 70% increase from 34,000 (2017), 44,000 (2018), 54,800 (2019) to 57,800 (2020).

WARNING! California Announces Proposed Amendment To Prop 65 Warning Requirements For Acrylamide
September 29, 2021, JD Supra
Recently, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issued a proposed amendment to the current acrylamide warning regulations under Proposition 65. The amendment would include a new subsection to the current regulation Section 25607.2 of Title 12 of the California Code of Regulations. It would not alter the current acrylamide warning under Section 25607.2(a) but would offer alternative language.

5 Techniques To Build Rapport With Your Colleagues
September 30, 2021, Harvard Business Review
So much of what we accomplish in the workplace relies on building relationships and trust of colleagues. When we take the time to connect and understand each other, we position ourselves for success. Here are 5 techniques to help build trust.

How A Safety Agency Plans To Fix Infant Deaths Associated With Nursery Products
September 28, 2021, ABC11
There are new safety standards on the horizon that hope to help eliminate potentially hazardous sleep products for babies and the Consumer Product Safety Commission launched a baby safety campaign. CPSC data shows there are 119 infant deaths annually associated with nursery products, a large percentage of those deaths the agency says are associated with cribs, play yards, inclined sleepers and swings.

Halloween Warning To Parents: Be Aware Of Button Batteries
September 27, 2021, The Western Australian
Toys that light up and make noise are supposed to be fun but within many of these devices are a hidden danger — button batteries. If young children gain access to just one button battery and ingest it, they may suffer serious illness and even death.

CPSC Insights – September 2021
September 30, 2021, Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Here’s a brief review of key developments concerning the Consumer Product Safety Commission from the past month or so to help you stay aware of important product safety legislative and regulatory happenings.

Miami Commissioners Push To Ban Use Of Scooters
September 28, 2021, Miami Today News
The scooter program in the City of Miami may be running on empty when it comes to continued support from elected leaders. Proposed legislation to make the current pilot scooter program permanent is in jeopardy as City Commissioners are expressing a desire to end the program for good.

Mom Whose Infant Son Died Due To Crib Bumpers Calls For Change
September 30, 2021, ABC News
A new federal safety rule on the sale of padded crib bumpers is expected to be handed down soon by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is a change that did not come soon enough for parents who have lost infants to what they and many doctors say are potentially dangerous sleep products, like Laura Maxwell who said she has waited more than a decade to see more regulations on crib bumpers after her 7-week-old son suffocated in his sleep after rolling into a padded crib bumper.

Youth ATVs Recalled Because They Don’t Meet Federal Safety Standards
September 29, 2021, Penn Live
Two companies have recalled all-terrain vehicles intended for youth because they don’t meet the federal safety requirements. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Luyuan Youth ATVs “fail to comply with the requirements of the federal mandatory ATV safety standard, including maximum speed limitations and other mandatory safety requirements for vehicles intended for children under 10 years of age.”

Cars From Ford, Honda, Nissan And Toyota Top CR’s New Rear-Seat Safety Tests
September 28, 2021, Consumer Reports
For years, car buyers have been using safety ratings to determine what level of protection a vehicle offers its occupants in a crash. But those ratings have largely focused on the people sitting up front. Now, Consumer Reports is providing safety ratings for the rear seat, so car buyers can compare rear-seat safety across 35 popular new vehicles. The new Rear-Seat Safety Score is designed for occupants of all ages and is based on the results of our child safety tests as well as the presence of key safety technology that helps protect both adults and kids.

European Commission Honors Winners Of EU Product Safety Award
September 29, 2021, European Sting
11 companies from eight different countries were celebrated for their innovations and investments to protect consumers. In its second edition, the award focuses on two aspects: protecting vulnerable consumer groups and the use of new technologies to enhance consumer safety, with separate awards for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and large companies.

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

Boppy Recalls 3.3 Million Baby Pillows After 8 Infant Deaths
September 23, 2021, NPR
The Boppy Co., maker of nursing pillows, is recalling nearly 3.3 million of the newborn loungers, which have been linked to the death of 8 babies according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The deaths were reported December 2015 – June 2020, says the CPSC. Boppy said in a statement it is dedicated to “doing everything possible to safeguard babies,” including educating parents on the importance of warnings and instructions associated with unsafe sleep practices for infants.

IoT Is “Looming National Security Threat”
September 23, 2021, Washington Post
There is a ticking time bomb that we’ve embedded within our daily lives, from our water supply to Internet-connected thermostats, to WiFi-enabled tea kettles. The so-called Internet of Things, in which objects that used to be fully offline are now connected to the Internet, is a largely unregulated world. And because of that, it could easily become a source of immense tragedy if the government doesn’t pay more attention to this looming national security threat.

Why Mandates Make Us Feel Threatened
September 22, 2021, Harvard Business Review
As companies implement vaccine mandates, brain science can help leaders develop strategies for managing employee reactions. Mandates feel like a violation of autonomy, one of the five most important drivers of threat and reward in the brain.

Health Canada Warns Of The Potential Of Portable Firepot Hazard
September 22, 2021, Health Canada
Following Health Canada’s decision in 2019 that certain firepots that use pourable fuels pose a danger to human health or safety, the Agency recently completed a national compliance and enforcement project on portable firepots.

Study: Consumers Blame Manufacturer And Retailer When Products Fail</strong>
September 21, 2021, Notre Dame News
Product failures can be catastrophic for companies. Research from Notre Dame shows consumers often point the finger at more than one party for product failures. It warns retailers to be cautious about which brands they carry.

Bill Named After Texas Girl Who Died After Swallowing Button Battery
September 22, 2021, KWTX
Representatives Jodey Arrington and Robin Kelly have introduced ‘Reese’s Law,’ safety legislation to help prevent dangerous button battery ingestion. The law requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop stronger safety standards for button batteries within one year.

Report Calls For Expansion Of E-Scooters Despite Safety Concerns
September 23, 2021, Politics.co.uk
A report released recently calls on the government to legalize private and shared e-scooters. The report, published by the Centre for London examines how ‘micromobility’ vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes could help to reduce car use, cut carbon emissions, and improve air quality. Its recommendations include granting Transport for London the power to manage shared e-scooter schemes in the capital, ensuring all vehicles meet safety standards, and requiring operators to provide access to shared schemes in neighborhoods with fewer public transport options.

Employers Beware: 1 In 3 Americans Admit They Lied On Their Resumes
September 23, 2021, National Law Review
A recent ResumeBuilder survey found that 32% of Americans admit to lying on their resume. In the current highly active labor market, with 65% of employees searching for a new job according to the PwC US Pulse Survey, employers should carefully review incoming resumes. Interestingly, the ResumeBuilder survey found: 1) resume lies are most frequent among higher earners and 2) the most common lies surround years of experience and education.

Research: More Microplastics In Babies’ Feces Than In Adults
September 22, 2021, The Guardian
Infants have more microplastics in their feces than adults, a study has found. Human exposure to microplastics is a possible health concern, but little is known about its extent. Researchers from New York University School of Medicine discovered that infants have 10 to 20 times higher microplastic concentrations in their stool than adults, specifically when it comes to PET (polyethylene terephthalate) microplastics.

2/3s Of Those Surveyed Don’t Trust Tech Giants To Protect Against Scams, Dangerous Products Or Fake Reviews
September 24, 2021, Which?
A survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted in September 2021, reveals trust among consumers in tech giants’ ability to protect them from these issues is shockingly low – with 68% saying they have little or no trust in online platforms to protect them from either scams, dangerous products or fake reviews. Consumer group, Which? has launched a campaign for new laws to protect people from scams, unsafe products and fake reviews, and believes urgent government action is needed to make platforms legally responsible for harmful content on their sites.

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