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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Adler Opposes Termination Of CPSC Rulemaking On Flammability Of Residential Upholstered Furniture
September 8, 2021, CPSC.gov
“I voted against accepting this recommendation…because I thought staff should continue its work to develop a good standard on upholstered furniture flammability. I continue to oppose terminating this work notwithstanding Congress’s enactment of what is known as the SOFFA Act, which directed CPSC to adopt TB-117-20132 as a Commission standard,” Adler said in a statement.

UC Davis Pediatric Physicians Warn Of Button Cell Battery Danger
June 29, 2021, Daily Democrat
Button cell batteries, found in many toys, watches and remote controls, can do serious internal damage if accidentally swallowed. UC Davis pediatric emergency physicians warn families to keep these batteries secure and out of children’s reach. “One of the most frightening emergencies we see are children who accidentally swallow these small batteries. Within moments of ingestion, the current from the battery can start burning through your throat, and that can kill you,” Jonathan Kohler, medical director of pediatric trauma at UC Davis Children’s Hospital said.

Collaboration Overload Is Sinking Productivity
September 13, 2021, Harvard Business Reviews
Collaborative work is up 50% over the past decade to consume 85% most people’s work weeks. The pandemic caused this figure to take another sharp upward tick. These invisible demands are hurting efforts to become more agile and innovative.

Business and Manufacturing: CPSC – Best Practices
2021, cpsc.gov
In addition to meeting the legal requirements…you should take additional steps to ensure that your products not only meet or exceed the requirements of federal safety laws, but are also designed to manufacture as safely as possible.

Second Stage Of Quad Bike Safety Regulations To Come In October
September 7, 2021, The Western Australian
A dangerous Australian farms vehicle is about to become safer, with the 2nd stage of a mandatory standard. Despite 14 deaths in the past decade, quad bikes had not been subject to a safety standard until the 1st stage of new regulations took effect.

Back To School For Administrators: New K-6 Ban List And Laws Regulating Art Supplies
September 8, 2021, JD Supra
As schools reopen and in-person learning resumes, schoolteachers and administrators should be aware of laws regulating the purchasing of art supplies in schools. Here is a review of some of these laws.

Study Shows TV, Furniture Tip-Overs Send A Child To An ER Every 46 Minutes
September 9, 2021, Family Safety & Health
TV or furniture tip-overs resulting in a child needing emergency care occurred every 46 minutes in the U.S. in 2019, according to the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, researchers found that an estimated 560,200 children were treated for injuries from furniture tip-overs over the past three decades.

Eighth Circuit Deeps Two Product Liability Class Actions Off The Road
September 8, 2021, JD Supra
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit published two opinions last month in companion class actions alleging defects with off-road vehicles. With its decisions, the court held that purchaser plaintiffs must allege more than an increased risk of experiencing a defect-related injury in the future. Rather, plaintiffs must allege that a defect has manifested itself in the products they purchased.

Money, Mimicry And Mind Control: Big Tech Slams Ethics Brakes On AI
September 8, 2021, Reuters
In September last year, Google’s cloud unit looked into using artificial intelligence to help a financial firm decide whom to lend money to. It turned down the client’s idea after weeks of internal discussions, deeming the project too ethically dicey because the AI technology could perpetuate biases like those around race and gender. Since early last year, Google has also blocked new AI features analyzing emotions, fearing cultural insensitivity, while Microsoft restricted software mimicking voices and IBM rejected a client request for an advanced facial-recognition system.

Korean Safety Code Amended To Permit Sale Of Modular Home Electronics
September 9, 2021, Korea Bizwire
The government has set afoot efforts to promote the sale of modular home electronics products, aimed at enabling consumers to freely attach or detach specific functions or change external appearances of home electronics products just like they do for furniture. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards said Wednesday it will revise the operational guidelines of the Electric Appliances and Consumer Product Safety Management Act to allow companies to release modular home electronics items.

Helmets On E-Scooters: Italy Plans New Safety Rules After Boy’s Death
September 5, 2021, The Star
Following the death of a child in an e-scooter accident in Italy, the mayor of Sesto San Giovanni introduced a helmet requirement and a speed limit for the e-scooters. This would make Italy one of the few places requiring a helmet on an e-scooter.

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Loungers And Nursing Pillows Linked To Recent Infant Deaths
September 1, 2021, Consumer Reports
7 deaths are tied to loungers and nursing pillows made by Boppy, a maker of baby products, says a Consumer Reports analysis of government data. This is a year after the Consumer Product Safety Commission said not to let babies use lounging pads.

Analysis: When Consumer Reports Tests Bike Helmets
August 31, 2021, Consumer Reports
CR tests helmets once a year, and a lot of interesting stuff happens between the time the helmets arrive in the lab and the moment updated ratings are published on the CR website. Here’s a peek at some of the most slammin’ tests CR does.

6 Strategies For Exhausted Working Parents
September 1, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Working parents are depleted. Every single one of the dozens of working moms and dads the author has coached in the past several weeks voiced some version of the “I’m driving on empty” feeling. Here are 6 techniques to reset and build momentum.

560,000+ Kids Treated For Tip-Over Injuries In 30-Year Span
August 27, 2021, Healio.com
From 1990 to 2019, an estimated 560,203 kids were treated for injuries sustained when a piece of furniture tipped over, an analysis showed. Over 11,500 incidents in CPSC’S NEIS were treated for injuries in 2019, researchers wrote in Injury Epidemiology.

Space Heater Safety Guide: Keep Your Feet Cozy – Don’t Start A Fire
August 31, 2021, CNET
If your heating system can’t keep your house warm, a space heater might be the solution. But make sure you’re using it safely! The Consumer Products Safety Commission says space heaters are responsible for more than 25,000 house fires every year.

One-Year Extension For UK Products To Implement UKCA Marking Confirmed
August 26, 2021, IFSEC Global
The UK Government has confirmed that UK businesses will be given an extension to implement UKCA marking, the new product safety marking in the UK, following several appeals from industry associations including the Fire Industry Association and BSIA.

Amazon Donate Emergency Aid Supplies To Communities Affected By Hurricane Ida
September 2, 2021, Valdosta Daily Times
Amazon announced the rapid delivery of over 140,000 relief items from its Disaster Relief Hub to help humanitarian aid partner, Save the Children, respond to Hurricane Ida’s widespread damage. Amazon donated critical emergency supplies to support Save the Children as the organization helps devastated communities begin to recover as quickly as possible. Amazon will donate more relief supplies as other humanitarian aid partners assess needs and request additional support.

Understanding The Ever-Evolving, Always-Surprising Consumer
August 31, 2021, McKinsey & Company Podcast
With consumer behavior changing rapidly—and, often, in unexpected ways—companies must get better at anticipating and responding to new consumer needs and preferences. McKinsey & Company experts explain how.

Dystopian Or Necessary? This Company Can Stop Dangerous E-Scooters Remotely
September 1, 2021, Fast Company
E-scooter company Link decided to take direct aim at unsafe and inconsiderate riding behaviors by launching a new system in its scooters that tracks rides, reprimands riders for unsafe behavior and can slow or stop a ride that’s deemed a high risk.

Global Standards, Product Recall In The Digital Trade
August 28, 2021, Manila Bulletin
There are 5 key elements recognized essential in ensuring consumer safety: ensure traceability across the chain, optimize recall readiness, combat counterfeiting, provide proper labeling and ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.

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New Peloton Treadmill Features “Safety” After Recalls
August 24, 2021, Reuters
Peloton has relaunched the Tread, as it looks to put behind a costly recall of its exercise machine. The launch was initially scheduled for May but was delayed as the company worked with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to build extra safety features.

200,000 Hoverboard Battery Pack Recall For Risk Of Fire
August 25, 2021, WMAZ
More than 200,000 hoverboard battery packs sold by major retailers are being recalled due to potential fires or explosions. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall is for lithium-ion battery packs in the Hovertrax 2.0.

Recognizing Deception: How To Spot A Lie
August 24, 2021, Knowledge@Wharton
What gets in the way of decisions most often? Overconfidence. It makes us think we’ve got the information we need, and that our past successes translate into success for the future. It also blind us to the fact that we’re bad at detecting deception.

The Best Face Masks For Kids According To Experts
August 20, 2021, WebMD
One essential back-to-school item for kids this fall is a face mask — the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend them — but finding one that’s actually protective for a child is not a straightforward task, as many parents can attest.

Sedgwick Brand Protection Releases Latest U.S. Recall Index Report
August 19, 2021, Yahoo Finance
According to the Sedgwick recall index report, consumer advocates and U.S. lawmakers are maintaining pressure on regulators to crack down on unsafe products, making it more important than ever for companies to prepare for increased scrutiny and reputational risks that come before, during and after a product recall or in-market remediation.

E-Scooters To Be Banned From London Parks Over Safety Concerns
August 25, 2021, Time Out
Electric scooters finally made their way to London streets (legally) back in June when TfL launched a new hire scheme trial. However, that pilot has hit a snag with the Royal Parks charity banning the vehicles from their wards.

August 2021 Wrap-Up of Federal and State Chemical Regulatory Developments
August 20, 2021, JD Supra

Congress Presses Forward On PFAS Measures
August 20, 2021, National Law Review
In the face of accelerating EPA and state regulatory activity on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, Congress is pressing forward with measures that would address or impose limitations on these “forever chemicals.” More than thirty such legislative measures are currently pending in Congress covering a number of subjects related to PFAS including, but not limited to, those involving military uses, funding assistance, detection and research, product stewardship, site remediation, and regulatory mandates.

European Union: Productwise 3-2-1
August 23, 202, Mondaq
This month it’s all about moves to regulate cybersecurity under the EU Radio Equipment Directive, proposed reforms of UK consumer laws (with collective redress and harsher penalties in scope), update on CPSC nominations, e-labelling in the EU, the CPSC’s notice of proposed rulemaking on furniture stability and looking back at the General Data Protection Regulation three years on with 10 key developments you should know.

Proposition 65: Proposed Amendment Would Restrict Use Of Short-Form Warning
August 24, 2021, JD Supra
California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment proposed an amendment to the content and conditions of use of Prop 65 short-form warnings. The proposal, which has not yet been adopted, would provide businesses one year (from its date of adoption) to comply with the amendments. So while businesses do not need to take immediate action, businesses that use Prop 65 short-form warnings may need to reexamine their short-form warnings in the likely event the amendment is adopted.

UK In Brexit Climbdown As Safety Rule Deadline Extended
August 24, 2021, The Guardian
The UK government has pushed back a deadline for the launch of post-Brexit product safety standards by allowing companies to follow EU rules until 2023, in the latest climbdown. Manufacturers will have an extra year to start using the new UKCA mark.

ACCC: Quad Bikes Meeting New National Safety Standards
August 23, 2021, ABC Rural
Over 80% of quad bikes assessed under a new national safety standard were compliant, says the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The ACCC said 84% of quad bikes assessed were compliant with the 1st stage of the national safety standard.

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There’s A New Push To Ban The Sale Of Crib Bumpers
April 21, 2021, Motherly
The Safe Cribs Act would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to enforce a nationwide ban on crib bumper use.  “This bill would ensure deadly and dangerous crib bumpers are pulled off store shelves,” Senators Blumenthal and Portman, bill sponsors said.

Pixie’s Fidgets Magnetic Balls Line Recalled Over Choking Fears
August 18, 2021, The Australian
The popular children’s product has been recalled over fears it can cause kids to choke to death if they accidentally swallow it. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recalled the children’s toy, citing choking hazard risks. The amount of small, high-powered magnets in the product exceeded the maximum allowable set by the ACCC’s previous permanent ban on the magnets, a statement from the watchdog said.

How To Work With Someone Who Creates Unnecessary Conflict
August 17, 2021, Harvard Business Reviews
Disagreements on a team aren’t necessarily bad. But you want to watch out for unhealthy conflicts; animosity when there’s a “conflict entrepreneur” on your team. The author suggests actions to take to identify these people and mitigate their impact.

Mom Seeks Increased E-Scooter Safety After Child Is Hospitalized
August 14, 2021, ABC News 7 Pittsburgh
A Pennsylvania mom is calling for stricter safety measures for Pittsburgh’s Spin e-scooters. The scooters are bright orange and easy to get rolling. Riders must be at least 18. Spin officials are working with police to stop underage scooter riding.

“Think Safety First” As Kids Head Back to School
August 17, 2021, CPSC.gov
As schools reopen this fall, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging parents and students to “Think Safety First.” Every year, thousands of kids are hurt while playing sports, or as they walk, bike, skateboard or scooter to and from school.

Product Safety Leadership Program Features “How To” Approach For Managing Issues
August 2021, EIN Presswire
A new education program designed for consumer product safety professionals features academic instructors and established leaders in consumer product companies explaining to program participants how they met challenges in their careers and went on to succeed. The Saint Louis University program consists of 9 webinars beginning Sept. 23 and ending Oct. 5, 2021. Program tuition has been reduced by $1,500 for each participant through a grant from Amazon.

Full D.C. Circuit Asked To Hear Challenge To Infant Bath Seat Rule
August 17, 2021, Reuters
Petitioner Lisa Milice, represented by Jared McClain of the New Civil Liberties Alliance, has asked the full D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to revive her challenge to a recent Consumer Product Safety Commission standard for infant bath seats on the grounds that the standard was not made available to the public and that a panel wrongly dismissed her case as time-barred.

Some Argue Beach Rental Home Elevators Are An Accident Waiting To Happen
August 3, 3021, WRAL
A 7-year-old boy’s death in North Carolina could spark a change in state law. Weston Androw died on the Outer Banks last month in a residential elevator accident. An elevator that, by law, doesn’t require annual inspections like commercial elevators.

Spin Scooters And E-Bikes Will Now Be Shown In Google Maps
August 16, 2021, Future Car
Locating a scooter or e-bike from Ford’s Spin has become easier, as the platform will include a global integration with Google Maps, Ford says. Customers using Google Maps will now see available Spin scooters and e-bikes along the route in real-time.

New Initiative To Set Benchmarks, Standards For AI In Education Globally
August 15, 2021, University World News
This week saw the launch of the EdSAFE AI Alliance, an initiative to develop benchmarks and standards to measure the quality of new AI in education technologies worldwide. The organisers have called for researchers and experts in the field to become involved in an open global process to help shape a future of equitable and trustworthy edtech tools.

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

Amazon Will Pay Up To $1,000 For Injuries Caused By Sellers’ Goods
August 10, 2021, Los Angeles Times
Amazon says it will pay customers for injuries caused by goods from its third-party sellers, a guarantee following numerous lawsuits seeking to hold the largest online retailer responsible for dangerous products purchased from its digital shelves.

Child Falls Through Home Elevator Shaft In Potomac
August 11, 2021, WUSA9.com
Montgomery Fire & Rescue says the child fell from the third to the first floor and was injured but is expected to survive. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says 22 people, mostly children, have died in home elevator accidents since 1981.

3 Questions To Help Your Team Solve Problems
August 13, 2021, Harvard Business Review
When a team struggles, it’s tempting for a boss to provide answers. But, it’s better to ask questions to help the team find answers itself. Here are 3 questions to ask: 1) What do you recommend? 2) How can we test that? 3) What do you need from me?

Can Anyone Buy A BB Gun? Navigating The Legalities
August 11, 2021, Field & Stream
There are no federal laws regulating the transfer, possession, or use of BB guns. They are, however, regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and subject to general statutory limitations involving “substantial product hazard[s]” and articles that create “a substantial risk of injury to children.”

London E-Scooters To Be Given Artificial Noise To Help Blind People
August 11, 2021, LBC
E-scooters could get artificial noises added to them to help blind people, Transport for London has said. This comes amid concerns about the safety of blind people, who may be vulnerable to e-scooter incidents on the pavement due to their quietness.

Once Banned Magnets Again Sending Kids To ER
August 2021, kare11.com
The magnets were once banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. But a court overturned the ban in 2016, and in the years since injuries have skyrocketed. The CPSC says at least 4,500 children have been hospitalized in the last decade.

Acting Chair Adler Statement Approving The Public To Submit Comments On Humane Society Petition For Pet Rule
July 27, 2021, cpsc.gov
Although living pet animals sold through retail outlets don’t necessarily come immediately to mind when one looks at the definition of a “consumer product” under section 3(a)(5) of CPSA, I am persuaded that the words of the statute are broad enough to include these pets. Accordingly, I vote to approve the publication of a Federal Register notice that permits the public to submit comments on the petition with the hope that an inquiry might be made regarding the appropriateness of using section 27(e) as the agency’s regulatory approach rather than sections 7 and 9.

Button Battery Injuries In Kids Rose 93% In First 7 Months Of Pandemic
July 12, 2021, Fox News
A Consumer Product Safety Commission report published in January reported the spike in children ages 5-9. It said that while most injuries involved ingestion, some included foreign body issues, as when a battery was stuffed into an ear or nose.

Artificial Intelligence And Automated Systems Legal Update (2Q21)
August 11, 2021, Gibson, Dunn
This 2Q21 Artificial Intelligence and Automated Systems Legal Update focuses on these key regulatory efforts, and also examines other policy developments within the U.S. and EU that may be of interest to domestic and international companies alike.

How A China Expansion Is Helping Fuel Kids2 Innovative Growth
August 11, 2021, Global Atlanta
Amid all the bluster about competitive conflict with China and noise about reshuffling global supply chains, one Atlanta consumer products company is doubling down on the country, both as a market and a sourcing hub for its worldwide expansion.

More Than 400,000 Dehumidifiers Recalled In Canada For Fire Risk
August 6, 2021, cbc.ca
Up to 413,915 dehumidifiers sold under various brand names are being recalled in Canada because of a risk of catching fire. Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall involving more than 2.5 million of the appliances. All affected models were made by New Widetech.

Australia: Mandatory Standards For Aquatic Toys
August 2021, ACCC
The Consumer Goods (Aquatic Toys) Safety Standard 2020 sets out the mandatory requirements for the design, construction and warning information for aquatic toys. The requirements are intended to reduce risk of serious injury or death to children.

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