In the News: November 8, 2021

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.

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