In the News: February14, 2022

CPSC Sues Leachco Over Suffocation Hazard From Defective Infant Loungers, Seeks Notice And Refund To Consumers
February 9, 2022, CPSC.gov
Following reports of two infant deaths, and a refusal to undertake a voluntary recall, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has filed an administrative complaint regarding the Podster, Podster Plush, Bummzie and Podster Playtime infant loungers manufactured by Leachco, Inc. of Ada, Oklahoma. This lawsuit comes on the heels of a Commission finding on January 20, 2022, that public health and safety necessitated warning the public of the suffocation hazard presented by the Podster.

Tip-Over TVs Kill Kids Every Year Despite $20 Fix
February 8, 2022, CBS News
People looking for a bigger screen or better picture quality may not recognize the tip-over risk for TVs, a hazard that can be dangerous — and sometimes deadly — for children. The good news? There’s a relatively simple and inexpensive fix.

Six Signs It’s Time To Leave Your Job
February 8, 2022, Harvard Business Review
At some point, we all experience moments when we must decide to let go of something that once offered us purpose. Decisions like a career change should be approached thoughtfully. Here are six signs it may be time to change your current career.

Society Of Product Safety Professionals Names New Officers And Board Members
February 13, 2022, Consumer Protection News Today
The Society of Product Safety Professionals (SPSP) has elected new Officers and Board Members consistent with the group’s By-Laws. The new president, Shelia Gottschalk, is product integrity manager for Hallmark Cards. Sheila replaces outgoing president John Barrera, Senior Director of Product Quality for Best Choice

Consumer Reports: How To Choose A Bike Helmet For A Child
February 8, 2022, Consumer Reports
Every day, an average of over 500 children with bike-related injuries are treated in emergency departments, says a CR analysis of injury data from 2006 to 2015. Those wearing helmets were less likely to have head and neck injuries, the study says.

Retailers cut £7bn in supply chain clean-up
February 10, 2022, Barclays
A report from Barclays Corporate Banking shows that the imperative to be more sustainable and ethical is now being felt financially across the supply chain. Over a fifth of retailers (21%) that Barclays surveyed have cut ties with suppliers in the last year because they’re not meeting required standards.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Issues Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking For Magnets
February 8, 2022, MarketScreener
On January 10, 2022, the US CPSC approved publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a safety standard for Magnets. The proposed rule aims to reduce the risk of death and injury associated with ingestion of one or more high-powered magnets, especially to children and teens.The proposed rule will apply to consumer products that are designed, marketed, or intended to be used for entertainment, jewelry (including children’s jewelry), mental stimulation, stress relief, or a combination of these purposes, and that contain one or more loose or separable magnets.

US-China Competitiveness Bill Sparks Battle Over E-Commerce
February 10, 2022, The Hill
Etsy, eBay and other e-commerce firms are lobbying lawmakers to strip the Shop Safe Act out of the bill to bolster U.S. competitiveness with China. They warn it would force most online marketplaces to close, leaving only giants like Amazon.

UL Commits $1.8 Billion To Safety Science Research
February 7, 2022, PR Newswire
With this commitment, Underwriters Laboratories will expand the scale and scope of research into emerging safety risks. UL will also launch a new nonprofit organization to advance standards development and public advocacy activities for the enterprise

Baby In UK Dies After Swallowing Button Battery
February 10, 2022, Which? News
UK consumer advocate Which? is warning parents to take care that products using button batteries are properly secured or kept away from kids. It follows the tragic death of a one-year-old, who died after swallowing a button battery from a toy teddy.

Sidewalk Detection And Safety Monitoring: A ‘Watershed’ For Micromobility
February 8, 2022, Smart Cities Dive
A vexing problem in micromobility has always been vehicle behavior. That’s especially true as so many cities are realizing how important pedestrians are and pursuing more public space and recognizing that walking cities are healthy in so many ways.

Restricting Organohalogen Flame Retardants Could Reduce Product Safety/Performance
February 9, 2022, American Chemistry Council
Research shows specific flame retardants in electronic casings do not present risk to human health or the environment. But, claims by some individuals and organizations, and newly proposed and enacted policies, might lead you to believe otherwise.

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