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.
