Lumber Liquidators CEO Resigns ‘Unexpectedly’
May 21, 2015, USA Today
Lynch steps down following weeks of struggle over safety concerns. CFO will also step down. Founder will serve as acting CEO of company beset with turmoil following CBS 60 Minute report on high levels of formaldehyde in Chinese-made laminate flooring.
Samsung Washing Machines: Bruce Billson Asks ACCC to Review ‘Ineffective’ Recall
May 22, 2015, Camden Advertiser
83,000 Australian homes still waiting for remedy in recall of faulty washing machines linked to house fires. Consumers waiting for service to fix water leakage fault causing electrical fires despite 2 year old recall.
Flawed Takata Air Bags in 34 Million Vehicles Lead to Biggest Recall in History
May 19, 2015, The Washington Post
Nationwide recall expected to cost billions while potentially “over whelming automakers, parts suppliers, and dealerships already struggling to find enough safe replacement parts.” Canada refuses to follow suit.
CPSC Seeks Comments on Amendment to Safety Standard on Architectural Glazing Materials
May, 2015 Federal Register
The proposed amendment will clarify certain test procedures specified in the standard. The agency wants to replace testing procedures for certain architectural products with testing procedures contained in the voluntary standard.
Report to Board of Directors of General Motors Company Regarding Ignition Switch Recalls
May 29, 2014, Jenner & Block
Last year’s report on the automaker’s missteps in handling faulty ignition switches explains how the hazard caused a break-down of the functioning of the vehicles leading to accidents, injuries, and deaths. Reading the report provides lessons for product safety professionals in all industries, and lays out a detailed history of how a safety system of reviews and controls failed at every critical step due to human factors and the company’s culture.
Bill Would Put Brakes on Off-highway Recreational Vehicle Safety Standards
May 21, 2015, The Examiner
Senate Committee approves legislation that would ban CPSC acting on regulations of off-road recreation vehicles until a study by the National Academy of Sciences is completed. Bill would also ban CPSC from requiring manufacturers to give dealers or consumers performance or technical data.
India to Get Own Version of Class Action Lawsuits
May 21, 2015, The Times of India
Indian version will not allow individuals to sue on behalf of a larger group, but will empower an authority to make rulings applicable to larger groups. Will incorporate a product liability clause to recall products that are unsafe and hazardous.
China Releases Harshest Food Safety Law in History
May 13, 2015, China Briefing
First update to food laws since 2009 will have significant inpact on domestic and foreign firms doing business in China. Crack down on food scandals that have been plaguing country in recent years.
Recall Multiplier Effect Plagues Manufacturers, Attacking Multiple Industries
May 20, 2015, Market Wired
Q1 2015 Stericycle Recall Index finds recalls multiplied throughout the supply chain with implications beyond first quarter. In food units, a 40% increase to over 19 million units recalled. Consumer products show 57 CPSC recalls down 7% from prior quarter.
CPSC Encourages State and Local Governments To Apply for Pool Safely Grants To Combat Drownings and Drain Entrapments
May 21, 2015, iStockAnalyst
Agency expects to award $1 million in 1-year grants in FY’16. Program aims to make drowning and drain entrapment a critical public safety priority.
