In the News: January 9, 2023
Peloton Fined $19 Million For Dangerous Product Safety Violations Involving Tread+ Treadmills
January 5, 2023, Consumer Reports
Peloton Interactive has agreed to pay $19,065,000 to settle charges that the company failed to report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission that its Peloton Tread+ treadmill was defective and posed an unreasonable risk of serious injury, the CPSC announced. The agreement also settles charges that the company knowingly distributed recalled treadmills, in violation of the Consumer Product Safety Act. The fine is one of the highest the agency has imposed in recent years. It is actually higher than the current maximum amount permitted for a series of related violations ($17.15 million) because it includes a further penalty for the company’s conduct after the Tread+ recall.
Commission Statements on the Peloton Settlement
Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric Statement
Commissioner Peter Feldman Statement
Commissioner Richard Trumka Statement
Commissioner Mary Boyle Statement
PFAS Bans, Restrictions Go Into Effect In States In 2023
January 5, 2023, Bloomberg News
Laws and regulations restricting “forever chemicals” in more than a half dozen states are entering effect in 2023. These include the start of a timeline for a first-in-the-nation ban on PFAS in all products in Maine. The newly effective measures range from labeling requirements to bans of the substance in products including food packaging, firefighting foam, and personal care products.
Don’t Underestimate Your Influence At Work
January 6, 2023, Harvard Business Review
The tendency towards underconfidence can also lead us to needlessly (and endlessly) search for ways to gain influence. What we really need is to get better at recognizing the influence we already have but may not be wielding effectively. In this piece, the author offers three suggestions, not for gaining influence, but for becoming more mindful of the influence you have already but don’t always see.
Study Finds Gas Stove Pollution Causes 12.7% Of Childhood Asthma
January 6, 2023, Washington Post
Gas-burning stoves in kitchens across America are responsible for roughly 12.7 % of childhood asthma cases nationwide — on par with the childhood asthma risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. This, according to a study, adds fuel to a burgeoning debate over the potential threats that gas stoves pose to the planet and public health. The peer-reviewed study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. It comes as scientists and activists cheer the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recent decision to weigh new regulations on indoor air pollution from gas stoves.
Analysis: Samsung’s Defective Product
December 16, 2022, Wall Street.com
The Samsung issue, which can be fixed via a software download, shows how a relatively few defective product reports can undermine a company’s brand value. The CNN story about the machines carried the headline, “Samsung recalls more than 660,000 washing machines after fire hazard reports.” Similar headlines ran at CBS and ABC, most of their local TV states, and were posted on Twitter. Certainly, tens of thousands of people saw these.
CPSC Warns Consumers To Be Cautious When Using Space Heaters, Furnaces And Fireplaces This Winter
January 5, 2023, cpsc.gov
As winter weather grips much of the country, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about deadly hazards from home heating equipment including space heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces. Two hazards of special concern are fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning Although these deadly hazards impact all populations, they disproportionally affect certain communities. According to CPSC’s 2017 to 2019 Residential Fire Loss Estimates report, African Americans have the highest rate of fire deaths, nearly twice the overall rate across the population. In addition, African Americans represent 23% or 186 indvidual deaths from 2011-2021 due to portable generator related CO deaths.
More Toys Recalled In 2022 Than Previous 4 Years Combined
January 4, 2023, Washington Times
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued 30 toy recalls in 2022 — up from nine in 2021, two in 2020, three in 2019 and six in 2018. The commission also worked with border agents to seize millions of illegal imported toys.
Inflatable Paddle Boards Sold At Costco Recalled Due To Drowning Hazard
January 3, 2023, KRON44
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall notice for inflatable paddle boards sold at Costco that could pose a drowning hazard. According to the recall issued on Dec. 29, “the glue on the inflatable paddle boards can separate at the seams and the paddle boards can deflate unexpectedly, posing a drowning hazard.”
Leadership Still Skeptical About Remote Work? 15 Ways To Close The ‘Understanding’ Gap
January 5, 2023, Forbes
The rise of remote work has led to changes across all industries, as companies transition their in-office operations to be handled remotely. Navigating this transition hasn’t been easy for some companies. Here are 15 Forbes Business Council members share some effective ways to help leaders work through their skepticism and close the gap in understanding.
E-Bike, Scooter Fires In Ottawa Prompt Warnings About Safety
January 5, 2023, CBC.ca
An e-scooter fire in Ottawa has officials urging people to ensure any products with lithium-ion batteries meet Canadian electrical standards and are properly maintained. Gerry Gill, division chief of safety for Ottawa Fire Services said, as e-scooters grow in popularity, it’s likely that guidelines and bylaws will soon come into force designed to prevent fires.
Death Of 2 Kids Is Reason For Latest Recalls In Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, And Wisconsin
January 5, 2023, KROC Radio News
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission website, Target Corporation, has recalled over 200,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets. Unfortunately, a 4-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl became entrapped in the blanket and died. Two other reports of kids being trapped were also reported.
