In the News: November 2, 2020

CPSC’s Feldman Wants To Increase The Agency’s Enforcement Budget 10%
October 30, 2020, CPSC
CPSC Commissioner Peter Feldman has reintroduced an amendment to the agency’s 2021 Operating Plan that would increase the enforcement budget by 10%. He explained his rationale in a statement. He notes: “Too often, and particularly in recent months, the CPSC has fallen short in discharging this duty, as evidenced by fewer recalls, longer wait times, and more settlements that don’t advance consumer safety.”

CPSC Proposes Mandatory Crib Mattress Safety Standard
October 29, 2020, Furniture Today
In an effort to reduce fatalities associated with infant suffocation, the CPSC has proposed a mandatory safety standard for crib mattresses including full-size and non-full-size crib mattresses and after-market mattresses for play yards.

ACCC Head Urges Prevention, Not Reaction And Recall
October 28, 2020, The Conversation
A general safety provision, backed by financial penalties and other regulatory powers, would require them to supply only safe products, taking into factors such as consumer expectations and industry best practices.

Google, BASF And Sephora Are Coming Together On Chemistry
October 28, 2020, Green Biz
Google is among ChemFORWARD’s roster of “co-design” partners that includes Sephora, Target, Levi’s, HP, Levi Strauss, H&M, Nike, Steelcase and Method, each recognized for various leadership efforts toward safer chemistry.

Republicans: CPSC Must Ask Questions About Chinese Products
October 29, 2020, Ripon Advance
Republican House members questioned the CPSC about Chinese products that may be the result of human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims. The CPSC must assure that it is taking steps to address this, the members wrote to CPSC Acting Chair Adler.

How To Thrive When Everything Feels Terrible
October 30, 2020, Harvard Business Review
It can feel impossible to escape from negativity right now. Fortunately, research shows that we can protect ourselves from the damaging effects of toxicity by taking steps to ensure we are “thriving.”

CPSC Says Its Time To Check And Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
October 29, 2020, KTBS-TV
“Early warning is crucial to getting out of a house fire alive and for surviving CO poisoning,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler. “I encourage everyone to check and change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Doing this can save you and your family in a fire or CO emergency.”

Could The Pandemic Renew Public Trust In Science?
October 29, 2020, Washington Post
A new survey from 3M suggests that this experience may have fundamentally changed the way citizens view science. The results from 3M’s most recent State of Science Index Survey offer a glimpse into how the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives has bolstered public faith in science for the first time in years.

Many Toys Bought By Irish Parents Online Fail EU Safety Laws
October 28, 2020, Offaly Express
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has asked the European Commission to focus on sellers not adhering to regulations at the European Commission. This comes as the EU is finalising plans for new legislation called the Digital Services Act (DSA), which will set guidelines for the new online landscape, including online platforms.

Tough Macho Leadership Is Over. Here’s What’s Taking Its Place
October 30, 2020, Fast Company
Tough macho leaders put their teams and followers at risk. Vulnerable leaders who don’t hide their weaknesses make their teams and followers stronger.

AHLA: Support Grows For Hotel Industry’s Safe Stay
October 29, 2020, Hotel Business
Support for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Safe Stay initiative continues to grow with endorsements coming from leading scientists, physicians and public health experts in epidemiology and infectious disease, the association reports.

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

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Innovation, Organizational Development, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Product Standards, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Uncategorized