CPSC Chairman Discusses Plans For Agency’s Future
January 7. 2022, NBC 4 Washington
NBC 4 Consumer Reporter Susan Hogan spoke with new Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric about his plans to protect people from dangerous hazards that continue to find their way into the market.

New York Governor Signs First-In-Nation Restrictions On Toxic Flame Retardants
January 5, 2022, Safer Chemical, Healthy Families
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a groundbreaking bipartisan bill restricting the use of flame retardants in furniture, mattresses, and electronic displays. New York is now the first in the U.S. to also include a prohibition on organohalogen flame retardants in electronic enclosures, such as televisions.

10 Tactics To Keep Your Meeting On Track
January 5, 2022, Harvard Business Review
Many leaders think their jobs end when a meeting starts or they serve as recorders or “agenda police.” Here are 10 tactics to help leaders make sure critical points are discussed effectively and efficiently, so meetings accomplish their mission.

Toy Makers Sue To Stop Rules Under Oregon’s Toxic-Free Kids Act
January 5, 2022, KGW8
Children’s product manufacturers asked a federal judge to halt provisions of Oregon’s Toxic-Free Kids Act that ban certain chemicals in some toys sold in the state. The suit says the state can’t preempt federal law, which regulates the chemicals.

UK Breaking News: Toy Fair WILL Take Place As Planned
January 5, 2022, Toy News
Toy industry leadership in the UK has been nervously watching the impact of the pandemic in recent weeks. They are relieved to note that “given government has not changed the conditions under which the fair (take) can take place, we look forward to delivering a great Toy Fair 2022 at Olympia and to welcoming the industry.”

Recalled Air Conditioners Cause Of One Death
January 5, 2022, BGR
Royal Sovereign International and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the air conditioner recall after receiving 11 reports of fires or smoke during use. The incidents resulted in over $1 million in property damage, 2 injuries and 1 death.

Ensure Child Safety Around The House
January 7, 2022, Lowaevelder
Every year, more than 2,200 kids die from home injuries. Suffocation, drowning, fires, burns and falls account for many of these. All can be avoided by taking appropriate measures. Child-proofing a home can go a long way in preventing accidents.

Scooter Helmet Laws Pit Safety Against Accessibility
January 6, 2022, SmartCitiesDive
After unceremoniously yanking shared e-scooters off city streets in November, Miami city commissioners just as suddenly voted to restore them two weeks later with one major new caveat: All riders will have to wear helmets.

Irish Online Shoppers Warned Over Charger/Adapter Hazard
January 5, 2022, The Irish Sun
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission warned the Irish public about a charger and an adapter being sold on Wish.com. Users may be at risk of an electric shock and are advised to stop using these electronics.

SGS: Ukraine Publishes Draft Resolution On Toy Safety To Further Align With The EU
January 7, 2022, Market Screener
Ukraine has issued a draft resolution on toy safety. If approved, the new law will enter into force six months after its publication in the Official Journal. Since its publication, the Technical Regulation has implemented provisions from the TSD – strengthened migration limits for aluminum and chromium (VI), as well as restricting formaldehyde in certain toys.

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11 New Laws That May Affect Your Business In China Starting January 1, 2022
December 31, 2021, China Briefing.com
Multiple new laws and regulations that affect doing business in China came into force on January 1, 2022. Foreign investors and businesses engaging in elder care, cosmetics, food and beverage and import/export should pay special attention.

Asus Motherboard Is Burning Up Due To A Manufacturing Flaw
December 31, 2021, Gizmodo
Asus is apparently working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to label the replacement program as an official recall; once it goes through, the fiery motherboards can be shipped off. Web surfer says “sudden hard shutoff” flags the problem.

Lawyers: ‘Buckle Up’ For PFAS Regulation, Litigation In 2022
December 29, 2021, Bloomberg Law
Industries are advised to brace for more federal moves next year to reduce and control “forever chemicals,” including plans by the EPA to propose water and waste regulations for two substances. States may take steps to eliminate use of PFASs.

Best Of Ideacast: What Sets Successful People Apart
December 2021, Harvard Business Review
Heidi Grant, a motivational psychologist, has studied successful people and what makes them tick. She and Sarah Green Carmichael discuss the behaviors of high achievers and how to incorporate them into your own life and work.

UK: Prime Minister Pledges To Build On Brexit Achievements In 2022
December 31, 2022, UK Government
The trade agreement, which came into effect a year ago, is the world’s biggest zero-tariff, zero-quota free trade deal. It allows UK businesses to trade freely with Europe while being able to seize new trading opportunities with countries around the world.

Crisis Communications: What Product Safety Managers Need To Know
December 2021, SPSP.org
The “Speaking of Talk: Communicating Product Safety” webinar series, January 25-February 1, features a rare look behind the scenes of product recalls during 2007-2008. David Kosnoff, Vice-President Quality Assurance for Hasbro, was in the middle of these events. He outlines expectations of a product safety manager during a crisis. This includes root cause analysis, corrective action planning, engagement of company and stakeholders, and briefing senior leadership so that they are fully informed. Registration is open for the free webinar series, made possible through the Society of Product Safety Professionals.

Industry Experts Lead New Course On Fundamentals Of Consumer Product Safety Management
December 2021, Business News Today
The 2022 Fundamentals in Product Safety Management program, designed for consumer product safety professionals seeking a broad understanding of the components of an effective compliance system, is now open for registration. This was announced by the Society of Product Safety Professionals. The program starts on March 15 and will be offered in a virtual video conference format for professionals in the United States and its major trading partners around the world.

Heating Equipment Is One Of The Leading Causes Of Home Fire Deaths
December 31, 2021, Sandhills Express.com
The National Fire Protection Association calls heating equipment a leading causes of home fire deaths. The group says keep anything that can burn is at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like a furnace, fireplace, wood stove or space heater.

11 Month-Old Baby Choked To Death On A Balloon
December 29, 2022, The Sun
Ashleigh and Jesse Chapman faced a nightmare when their 11-month-old son died after choking on a balloon. Each day some 40 under-5s are rushed to hospital after choking or swallowing something dangerous says the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Why Colorado Ski Slopes Are More Dangerous This Year
December 22, 2022, Westword News
According to the Ski Safety Act, which was passed by the Colorado Legislature in 1979 and then amended in 2006, people assume inherent dangers and risks when they ski — including snow conditions, terrain, impacts with clearly labeled man-made structures and collisions with other skiers. The law specifies, however, that “the term ‘inherent dangers and risks of skiing’ does not include the negligence of a ski area operator.”

Spain (Once Again) Taking The Initiative To Make Roads Safe. Helmets Will Be Mandatory For Electric Scooter Riders
December 31, 2021, The Bharat Express News
European roads are considered the safest in the world and Spain’s efforts are helping to ensure this. Alcohol ignition interlock devices in new passenger transport vehicles and mandatory helmets for electric scooter drivers are among the positive developments.

Bunk Beds Recalled After Two-Year-Old Found Dead
December 27, 2021, Valley Central.com
Angel Line of New Jersey and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have announced a recall of about 39,900 bunk beds with angled ladders. The CPSC says the bunk beds were recalled due to serious entrapment and strangulation hazards to children.

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CPSC Launches New Online Tool To Make It Easier For Businesses To Report Hazards And To Protect Consumers; Mandatory For Fast-Track Program In January 2022
December 20, 2021, CPSC.gov
Firms are required to report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission potentially hazardous products that they manufacture, distribute, import or sell. To encourage more online reporting of these potential hazards, CPSC will require firms to use a new, upgraded online reporting system for Fast Track recalls.

What Are The Most Common Toy-Related Injuries?
December 15,2021, KXAN
The CPSC reports an estimated 198,000 toy-related injuries were treated in ERs during 2020 including nine toy-related deaths. About 21% of the toy-related injuries were related to non-motorized scooters.

Make The Most Of One-On-One Meetings With Your Manager
December 23, 2021, Harvard Business Review
One-on-one meetings with your manager present valuable career opportunities. How can you make sure you’re getting the most out of them? Work with your manager to determine how meetings reflect your priorities and goals.

Fact Check: Lead Paint Was Banned Over Child Safety Concerns, Not Radiation Conspiracy
December 15, 2021, USA Today
The Consumer Product Safety Commission told USA TODAY the claim that lead paint was banned due to radiation is baseless. “The history of control of lead-based paint and other lead hazards is clear,” a CPSC spokesperson said.

Del Negro Keynotes “Communicating Product Safety” Free Webinar Series
December 2021, SPSP.org
Michael Del Negro, Vice President, Product Safety Compliance, Peloton Interactive, leads off the Society of Product Safety Professionals’ new webinar series. The series is scheduled for Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2022. Del Negro will address framing and identifying potential safety concerns in communications with senior executives and internal company stakeholders. Registration for the free webinar series is open.

CPSC Awards More Than $1.3 Million In Pool Safely Grants
December 23, 2021, CPSC.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) announced today five awardees of a grant program aimed at preventing pool and spa drownings as well as drain entrapments.

Opinion: In An Era Of Unrealistic Expectations On Moms, Product Safety Is A Feminist Issue
December 21, 2021, Ms. Magazine
In an era of “intensive mothering,” as mothers are expected to optimize their child’s potential through enriching activities and carefully curated nutrition, responsibility for infant and child safety is often gendered as a mother’s primary task.

New Australian Safety Standard For Portable Non-Aerosol Fire Extinguishers
December 20, 2021, Mirage
A new mandatory safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers, published by the Australian Government will improve existing performance and identification requirements, to reduce the risk of a fire extinguisher not operating correctly during a fire.

10 Biggest U.S. Product Recalls Of All Times
October 22, 2020, Berkley Group
Recalls are a nightmare for all involved. The consumers, investors, and companies involved can all agree—they hate recalls. Consumers often face the inconvenience of faulty products or much worse—injuries, illnesses, and even death. For manufacturers, suppliers or investors, product recalls can wreak havoc on brand reputations, bottom lines and share prices. Let’s look at the magnitude of damage caused by product recalls by reviewing some of the biggest cases in history published by Kiplinger.

CO Poisoning: A Rising Risk As Consumers Buy More Home Generators
December 24, 2021, JD Supra
If you or someone you know has concerns enough about extreme weather events and the electrical failures that too often accompany them to look into buying a portable generator, be sure to take great care to examine the pricey device’s safety features. Thousands of consumers have been poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide (CO) fumes from emergency household generators, according to ProPublica, the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative site.

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Consumer Reports Investigation Finds Product Safety Warning System Is Broken
December 2021, Consumer Reports
When it comes to removing dangerous products from the marketplace, most of us assume that government regulators are able to move quickly to protect us. But that’s not always true. A new Consumer Reports investigation has found a broken system within the Consumer Product Safety Commission, leaving unsuspecting consumers vulnerable to injuries or even death from dangerous products.

Bouncy Castle Accident Kills 5 Children In Australia
December 16, 2021, Fox News
The Consumer Product Safety Commission bounce houses are “not without risk” with 12 deaths being reported to the agency from 2003-2013. The CPSC estimated more than 18,000 injuries associated with bounce houses which were treated in hospital ERs

IDEO’s Sandy Speicher Asks: What Is An Office Even For
December 17, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Sandy Speicher is CEO of IDEO, the consulting firm that helped revolutionize how the businesses think about innovation. She discusses how companies can design future workplaces and processes to thrive amid the disruptions of the past few years.

Product Recalls Across Industries Increased In Q3
December 14,2021, NU Property Casualty 360
The rate of product recalls increased during that Q3 compared with the prior 3-month period, says Sedgwick. Their Q3 analysis reports a slew of business challenges. They conclude increased regulator pressure will continue to drive recalls into 2022.

Speaking Of Talk: Make The Most Of Pop-Up Conversations And Meetings
You never know whether you’ll run into your CEO on an elevator or need a quick presentation for the product design group. Is your product safety message up to date? Sign up today for the latest thinking by industry leaders on Communicating Product Safety through SPSP’s free webinar series Jan. 25-Feb. 1.

Proposition 65: OEHHA Modifies Proposed Changes To “Short-Form” Warnings
December 14, 2021, National Law Review
OEHHA’s regulations provide an option for a “short-form” warning as an acceptable alternative to the revised requirements for consumer product exposure warnings. This option requires the hazard symbol, the word “warning” in capital letters and bold print — WARNING — and a reference to OEHHA’s website, but importantly does not require a company to name a listed chemical within the text of the warning.

Hong Kong Consults Over New Standards For Toys
And Children’s Products
December 15, 2021, Market Screener
On December 1, 2021, Hong Kong announced a one-month consultation on its proposal to adopt up-to-date standards for toys and six categories of Schedule 2 Products. This stems from revisions to international standards or standards adopted by major economies so that they are applied to products supplied in Hong Kong.

Opinion: Generators Poison Thousands Annually. The U.S. Has Failed To Force Safety Changes.
December 17, 2021, NBC News
Portable generators, which emit carbon monoxide, are among the deadliest consumer products. Two decades after the government identified the danger, people are left vulnerable by a system that lets the industry regulate itself.

Study Estimates Risk Of Chemicals In Products To Young Children
December 16, 2021, IISD Knowledge Hub
The study aims to develop a mouthing exposure model to predict migration into saliva, mouthing exposure, and related health risks from a range of chemical-material combinations in children’s products. The model represents a green and sustainable chemistry tool that industries can apply to assess whether the chemicals present in their products could pose a risk to children.

CPSC Issues Life-Saving Tips To Millions After Deadly Tornadoes
December 14, 2021, CPSC.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers in state devasted by recent tornadoes to take steps to prevent further harm and reminds them to protect themselves against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fires.

Silence Isn’t Golden: Failure To Report Consumer Product Safety Issues Results In Rare $91 Million Criminal Penalty.
November 5, 2021, Consumer Products Law
In one of the most significant developments in product safety law over the past decade, Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai, Hong Kong Gree Electric Appliances Sales Co. Ltd., and Gree USA Inc. have pled guilty to willfully failing to report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission under Section 15(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the CPSC, the Gree Companies knew their dehumidifiers were defective, failed to meet applicable safety standards, and could catch fire, but failed to timely report that information to the CPSC.

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Tesla Solar Roof Fires Subject Of Federal Investigations
December 8, 2021, Dive/Wire
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Security and Exchange Commission are investigating Tesla over solar panel fire risks, say reports from CNBC and Reuters. The issue would affect more than 60,000 residential and 500 commercial or government customers, Reuters says.

Company CEO Defends Instagram’s Safeguards
December 8, 2021, National Public Radio
Senators grilled the head of Instagram about the app’s effects on children, attempting to extract various commitments from the company. But Adam Mosseri defended the app, touting existing safeguards and some that the company plans to roll out.

Walgreens CEO: Put Phones Away And Listen To Employees
December 9, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Rosalind Brewer is one of only two Black female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Here, she talks about the challenges of walking into a new company or industry and projecting the confidence you need to be able to do your job from day one.

$30 Million Of Fake Handbags And Clothing Seized By CBP
December 5, 2021, WDJT-Milwaukee
US customs officers seized more than $30 million worth of fake designer handbags and clothing, Customs and Border Protection officials said. The 13,586 items, shipped from China, had an estimated recommended retail price of $30,437,775, CBP said.

Surgeons Urge Parents Not To Buy Toys Containing Magnets
December 8, 2021, Shropshire Star
The UK’s top pediatric surgeons have urged parents not to buy toys containing magnets following a dramatic rise in children needing operations after swallowing them. The Children’s Surgery Foundation issued the warning after a five-fold increase in children swallowing the small, increasingly powerful magnets in the last five years.

Adult Portable Bed Rails Recalled After 2 People Die
December 2, 2021, NPR
More than 496,000 adult bed rails have been voluntarily recalled due to the risk of entrapment and asphyxiation. In both reported deaths, the CPSC said the bed rails were not securely attached to the bed.

Seasons Change, But Fire And Carbon Monoxide Safety Is Year-Round: Warm Up To CPSC’s Tips For Staying Safe During Colder Weather
December 7, 2021, Yahoo Finance
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning to be vigilant about fire and carbon monoxide (CO) hazards in the colder winter months ahead. The dangers, although present across all populations, disproportionally affect certain communities. According to CPSC’s 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 22 percent of portable generator-related CO deaths, nearly 170 from 2010-2020.

Toy Association Executive Testifies At Senate Hearing On Toy Safety
December 2, 2021, The Toy Association
Joan Lawrence, Toy Association senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs, recently testified at a Senate subcommittee hearing addressing product safety around the holidays. She spoke of the year-round commitment of The Toy Association and its members to toy safety and of their leadership in developing standards

Consumer Protection: 2021 Data On The EU Rapid Alert System
December 6, 2021, EU Reporter
Fresh data shows that more than 1,800 alerts between member state authorities have been circulated on the system. Most of these alerts concern motor vehicles or related products and toys. The most common risks related to dangerous products in 2021 were injuries (28%) or risks caused by chemicals (23%).

E-scooter Safety Campaign Rolls Out In Two Australian Cites
December 9,2021, Tasmanian Times
An e-scooter safety campaign is being rolled out as the new ‘micromobility’ hire systems are about to commence operation in Hobart and Launceston. The campaign will include short videos to remind users about responsible parking, no drink riding and wearing a helmet.

100’s Of Potentially Deadly Toys Removed From Australia’s Malls
December 10, 2021, International Business Times
A toy safety compliance blitz is underway in Australia as parents seek cheap presents. NSW Fair Trading officers formed ‘Operation Safe Toy’ to crackdown on playthings that put kids at risk – even raiding warehouses peddling the dangerous products. Hundreds of dodgy toys have already been stripped from shelves with some carrying hazards that may be difficult spot.

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Another New Face At The CPSC As Trumka Confirmed
November 17, 2021, National Law Review
Trumka’s arrival will still leave the Commission one short of its full five-member complement and at a 2-2 party count. Mary Boyle, currently the agency’s Executive Director has been nominated for the vacant seat on the body. She has not yet been voted out of the Senate Commerce Committee. With less than three weeks left on the current Senate calendar, it is unclear if time remains for Boyle to clear both the committee and the Senate floor.

Statement Of Richard Trumka Jr. Nominee, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
July 28, 2021, CPSC
“I am here today because I believe that all people deserve to be protected from the dangers they can’t see. Both of my grandfathers were proud coal miners. They worked hard every day. And like too many miners of their generation, they both died of black lung, a painful disease that they got from years of breathing in coal dust. It was a danger they couldn’t see until it was too late.” Trumka said in his statement.

The Work Of Leadership
November 2021, Harvard Business Review
Companies today face adaptive challenges that constantly force them to clarify values, develop new strategies and learn new ways to operate. The most important task for leaders facing these challenges is mobilizing people to do adaptive work.

UK: 17,500+ Illegal Items Seized During Oxford Street Raids
November 19, 2021, YahooSport
Police found an “astonishing” haul of knock-off designer goods and illegal items in recent raids. More than 17,500 items were confiscated. These included 11,000 items including unsafe toys, counterfeit clothing and nicotine products.

Deaths Of 2 Kids Who Ingested Tiny Magnets Prompts Warning
November 23, 2021, NBC 5 Chicago
A 14-month-old is among 3 deaths since 2018 from small magnet ingestion that NBC 5 Responds uncovered. Since a ban on high-powered tiny magnets was overturned in 2016, injuries caused by ingestion have risen by more than 530%.

Toy Association Responds To The ‘Top 10 Worst Toys’ 2021
November 18, 2021, HometownStation.com
The Toy Association recently expressed disapproval of the W.A.T.C.H ‘Top 10 Worst Toys’ List, assuring the public that each and every toy under the Toy Association goes through over 100 tests mandated by the federal government.

TV, Furniture On Your Holiday Gift List? Add In An ‘Anti-Tip-Over’ Kit
November 21, 2021, HealthDaI
If you buy or get items such as furniture or TVs during the holidays, be sure to get anti-tip-over kits for them to protect your children, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says. From 2017 through 2019, an average of 11,100 U.S. children were treated each year in ERs from tip-overs. And between 2000 and 2019, 469 children aged 17 and younger were killed by furniture and TV tip-overs.

Apple Watch Wrist Burn Results In Florida Lawsuit
November 22, 2021, The Free Press
A lawsuit has been filed in the Hillsborough County courts by an Apple watch customer who allegedly suffered a wrist burn that occurred “suddenly and without warning.” Both Apple, Inc. and Best Buy of Minnesota are co-defendants in the case which seeks a trial by jury. Apple’s wristwatches have been the target of various legal complaints, ranging from alleged medically-related patent infringement, defective watch screens, and burns surmised by some as the possible result of defective lithium-ion batteries or third-party wrist bands.

Australian Online Retailers Turn To AI And Web-Crawling To Identify Unsafe Product Listings
November 18, 2021, ZDNet
The adoption of new technology by online businesses that had signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge resulted in the removal of over 90% of product listings within two business days of being deemed unsafe, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported. According to the ACCC’s inaugural Australian Product Safety Pledge, an average of 92.4% of unsafe product listings were removed by signatories within two business days after consulting a variety of information sources.

Deck The Halls While Avoiding Falls And Other Disasters This Holiday Season
November 25, 2021, Fox News 5
Americans are decking the halls for the next big holiday, but don’t let your Christmas or Hanukkah decorations force you to make an unscheduled stop at Urgent Care or the Emergency Room. The Consumer Product Safety Commission released a new study that found there is an average of 160 decorating-related injuries every day during the holiday season. The CPSC said that adds up to about 14,800 people being treated in emergency rooms in 2019. Nearly half of the injuries involved a fall of some kind.

Knowing When It’s Time To Replace Bath Toys
November 21, 2021, BabyGaga
Many bath toys are nothing more than a petri dish for bacteria and if not careful can negatively affect babies and toddlers. This is why parents need to know signs that it is time to replace bath toys. Here is how to know when to replace bath toys.

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Another New Face At The CPSC As Senate Confirms Richard Trumka. Jr., For Commission Position
November 17, 2021, National Law Review
Richard Trumka, Jr., nominated by President Biden for a seat on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was confirmed last week by a unanimous voice vote in the Senate. When he takes his oath of office, which will likely be within a week or two, Trumka will take the seat of fellow Democrat and former Acting Chair Bob Adler, whose term expired October 27.

Newer Consumer Product Industry CEOs More Likely To Issue Recalls Than Veteran Leaders
November 16, 2021, Newswise
“We believe this is the case because newly tenured CEOs can attribute blame for the recall to the previous CEO,” said George Ball, associate professor at the Indiana University School of Business. Ball is co-author of a new study of 25 years of recalls at publicly traded companies that says newly tenured CEOs in the consumer products industry are more likely to announce a product safety recall than CEOs who have been in the position longer.

A New Crisis Playbook For An Uncertain World
November 17, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Over the next 20 years climate change, globalization and inequality will create uncertainty that will make the previous 2 decades look stable. For smart firms, preparing for crisis will mean calculating risks and developing stronger social licenses.

5 Things To Remember When Shopping For Toys This Christmas
November 16, 2021, Lovin Dublin
When it comes to toy safety, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has loads of advice on their site to help in shopping. From making sure toys meet regulations to researching online sellers, you can find loads of helpful info there.

Phthalates’ Standards May Not Protect People’s Health
November 17, 2021, Environmental Health News
Focusing on 5 of the “worst-offender” phthalates, a new study says “safe” limits on exposure by regulatory authorities may not adequately protect public health. The study was published in the journal Environmental Health.

Unsafe Sleep Products To Keep Out Of The Crib
November 18, 2021, Yahoo News
New parents will do just about anything to encourage their babies to sleep soundly. While they might be tempted to surround them with cozy blankets and stuffed animals, placing any product inside a baby’s crib can create an unsafe condition.

Making A List, Checking It Twice: Tips For Celebrating Safely This Holiday Season
November 18, 2021, CPSC.gov
As people nationwide prepare to celebrate the holidays, new data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights the importance of taking safety precautions to avoid potential dangers associated with common holiday products and traditions.

Clues You’re Probably Not Using This Soft Skill To Your Advantage
November 5, 2021, Forbes
There’s nothing worse than a clueless boss or colleague who’s oblivious to everything and everyone around them. They’re the folks who haven’t tapped into the power of awareness, the soft skill that helps you better understand yourself, others and your environment.

How Development Leaders Can Help Curb The Great Resignation
November 13, 2021, Forbes
Learning and development leaders play a key role in retaining, attracting top talent and inspiring and facilitating change. TalentLMS research says limited career progression and a lack of learning opportunities are the top reasons why 72% of tech employees say they’re thinking of quitting their jobs in the next year.

The CPSC Warns Water Your Christmas Tree “Or Else”
November 16, 2021, CNN
The Consumer Product Safety Commission tweeted this image as a warning about dry Christmas trees. From 2015 to 2017 there was an average of 100 tree fires and 1,100 candle fires, the CPSC says, resulting in 20 deaths, 160 injuries and about $50 million in property damage each year.

Australian Product Safety Pledge Improves Consumer Safety Online
November 19, 2021, Mirage
Over 90 per cent of identified unsafe product listings were removed within two business days by online businesses signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge. The voluntary initiative commits signatories to 12 product safety actions, that go beyond ordinary legal requirements, and which aim to prevent the sale of unsafe goods online. Some of the new innovations used by current signatories include predictive technology and web crawling to ensure that unsafe product listings are removed as soon as possible.

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New CPSC Chairman Says, “Growing Reliance On E-Commerce Has Challenges
October 27, 2021, CPSC.gov
“Since arriving at the CPSC a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been getting to know the hard-working, dedicated staff and have started to build upon the good work of my predecessors to enhance consumer product safety,” Alexander Hoehn-Saric said. ” We have a lot of work ahead of us. Starting with tackling the challenges associated with consumers’ growing reliance on e-commerce, the increasing complexity of products and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he continued.

Study: E-Bike Sales Up 240%. Risk – Fires, Injuries, Deaths
November 10, 2021, SmartCitiesDive
Fire department and safety officials are warning consumers and dealers to take precautions with electric bikes and scooters after an increase in dangerous battery fires. So far this year, the New York City Fire Department reported 72 injuries and three deaths.

Strategies To Help You Influence How Decisions Are Made
November 11, 2021, Harvard Business Review
Negotiators who understand the most common decision rules — majority rule, chair decides and unanimity/consensus. They also know how to navigate each for more favorable outcomes and to increase their influence beyond their formal authority.

AAP Partners With Amazon To Help keep Infants Safe From Preventable Sleep-Related Injuries
November 10, 2021, American Academy of Pediatrics Newsroom
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced a new collaboration to provide parents and families in under-resourced communities with information and important baby gear to help keep infants safe while they sleep. AAP has partnered with Amazon and five children’s’ hospitals on a multi-year commitment to support this new initiative.

Washington State Begins Rulemaking For 2021 Plastics Law
November 11, 2021, Daily Fly
The Department of Ecology has begun rulemaking that focuses on the recycled content portion of the 2021 plastics law. They will establish how it determines producer fees, oversight, and enforcement of the recycled content program.

Bike Riding Safety After 55% Surge In Traffic Volume
November 11, 2021, Consumer Reports
As both automotive and pedestrian traffic returns to near-pre-pandemic levels, it’s important, especially for people who took up cycling on streets that were almost deserted, to be ride safely when heading out on two wheels.

US Regulators Award Hyundai-Kia Whistleblower $24M In Engine Recall Case
November 9, 2021, NBC
The U.S. government road safety agency has paid more than $24 million to a whistleblower who reported that Hyundai and Kia moved too slowly to recall over 1 million vehicles with engine problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the award to ex-Hyundai Motor engineer Kim Gwang-ho is the first it has paid to a whistleblower. It’s also the maximum percentage allowed under a new federal program that entitles employees who report fraud to receive up to 30% of penalties paid by the automakers.

Kids Could Get Trapped Inside Wooden Playsets – So Thousands Now Recalled, Officials Say
November 9, 2021, The Raleigh News & Observer
Thousands of backyard playsets have been recalled over fears children could get trapped inside, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said. Several kinds of playsets have been recalled because parts used pose a threat to kids.

Doncaster UK Council Trading Standards Seizes 1000+ Illegal Items
November 10, 2021, Doncaster Council
Trading Standards at Doncaster Council completed a week of enforcement action focusing on businesses selling illegal and counterfeit items. Officers seized more than 1,000 unsafe or counterfeit items including toys, scooters, ornaments and watches.

Sounding The Alarm For Carbon Monoxide Safety, Detection
November 10, 2021, Duids
November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an average of about 170 people in the US die every year from CO from furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters, portable generators and fireplaces.

Five Everyday Items At Home That You Should Keep Out Of Your Child’s Reach
November 10, 2021, YouTube
Many day-to-day housekeeping products are poisonous and in particular, dangerous for children. ShowFit lists some daily products that you should always keep out of your children’s reach. Watch the video to know more.

New Ohio Fireworks Law: What You Need To Know About Safety, Holidays And More
November 11, 2021, Columbus Dispatch
Starting next year, Ohioans can light off bottle rockets, Roman candles and more while celebrating certain holidays. Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation to revamp the state’s fireworks law after a years-long push by the industry to legalize their use. Ohio previously only allowed consumers to use sparklers and a handful of other pyrotechnics

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