Congress Seeks Action After Investigative Report On Toys
December 22, 2020, USA Today
Congress is demanding the federal government increase inspections of toys and consumer products entering U.S. ports and assess what hazards may have slipped in during a safety lapse kept quiet during the pandemic.

A Rush of CPSC Activity At The End Of A Largely Inactive 2020
December 22, 2020, National Law Review
Between COVID-19 and political turmoil, 2020 for the CPSC has largely been a year of inactivity, which makes it all the more striking that the agency is, for better or worse, getting more buzz in the last two weeks of the year than it did in the first 50.

Why Capable People Are Reluctant To Lead
December 17, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Employees often fail to step up when leadership opportunities arise. What holds so many back? New research sheds light on 3 perceived risks associated with leadership: Risk to interpersonal relationships, image, and of being blamed for failure.

Are You Really Ready For Your Next Crises?
December 21, 2020, Wfmj.com
Saint Louis University management program experts will discuss the challenges of managing facilities, people, products and processes for a product safety system during times of crisis.

Safety Standards Announced To Reduce Risk Button Battery Risk
December 21, 2020, The Sidney Herald
Australia will become the first country in the world to introduce a mandatory safety standard for button batteries designed to prevent injuries and deaths among small children. The move follows years of lobbying by consumer groups and paediatricians warning of the dangers of the small, button-shaped batteries.

Despite Injuries, Super-Strong Magnets Are Still Being Sold
December 21, 2020, Consumer Reports
While Zen Magnets recently announced that it will no longer sell its products after losing a separate legal battle with the CPSC, high-powered neodymium magnets are still being sold under many different names, some even under the name of Buckyballs.

EU Announces Sweeping New Rules That Could Force Breakups And Hefty Fines For Big Tech
December 15, 2020, CNBC
Tech giants could soon face hefty fines and stricter controls over their behavior as part of sweeping new rules in the European Union. The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, recently presented two new pieces of legislation that will affect how Big Tech operates. The region has long had concerns about how powerful some companies have become, and how this is a problem for smaller firms looking to compete in the European market.

Office For Product Safety And Standards Delivery Report 2019/20
December 18, 2020, Gov.UK
This report sets out how OPSS protects consumers through robust product regulation, working with local trading standards officers and delivering with partners.

Report Calls For Global Action To Reduce EDC Exposure From Plastics
December 17, 2020, Healio.com
A report from the Endocrine Society and International Pollutants Elimination Network identifies more than 140 endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, and their negative effects on human health. In the report, researchers project the global production of plastics to increase from 350 million metric tons in 2017 to 1.1 billion tons in 2050. Many plastic products include EDCs, potentially harmful chemicals that can disturb the body’s hormone systems.

How To Guard Against Home Heating Hazards
December 18, 2020, HealthDay
A major threat from heating sources is carbon monoxide, often called the silent killer. In the U.S, 170 people a year on average die from carbon monoxide poisoning. according to the CPSC. Causes include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances; engine-powered equipment; fireplaces; and charcoal burning in enclosed areas.

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CPSC Approves First-Ever Home Elevator Safety Recall
December 16,2020, Penn Patriot News
According to an announcement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Children can become trapped between the exterior landing (hoist way) and the interior elevator car door or gate, and suffer serious injuries or death when the elevator is called to another floor.”

Graco Recalls Infant Inclined Sleepers Due To Suffocation Risk
December 16, 2020, Consumer Reports
Graco has recalled about 51,000 infant inclined sleepers because infant deaths have been tied to other, similar inclined sleep products, according to an announcement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

How Companies Can Meet The Needs Of A Changing Workforce
December 18, 2020, Harvard Business Review
The modern workplace is experiencing 2 intertwined trends: rising life expectancies have extended career trajectories by decades, while improvements in gender equality have led more women to enter the workforce than ever before. What will it take for companies to keep up?

Free Webinar Series: Product Safety Crisis Management
December 21, 2020, Wfmj.com
Saint Louis University management program experts will discuss the challenges of managing facilities, people, products and processes for a product safety system during times of crisis.

Amazon Asks CDC To Vaccinate Its Essential Workers ASAP
December 16, 2020, Geek Wire
As the first vaccines for COVID-19 are being administered in the U.S. this week, Amazon is asking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take care of some of the tech giant’s workers as soon as possible.

Plan For Fighting PFSA Chemicals In Wisconsin Is Released
December 16, 2020, WDIO
A new Wisconsin action plan is recommending the prevention of future pollution from forever chemicals known as PFAS and the development of ways to reduce the use of the chemicals. Gov. Tony Evers said the plan took a year of study involving nearly 20 state agencies and the University of Wisconsin.

3D Printers May Be Toxic For Humans
December 15, 2020, EurekaAlert
Risk researchers are asking new questions about the health and safety implications and how to mitigate any potential health risks to users of 3D printers and consumers of products manufactured with this emerging technology, especially children.

Scots Firm Creates Tech To Identify Fake Toys Online
December 16, 2020, The Scotsman
A Scottish firm has teamed up with the British Toy and Hobby Association to help stamp out the sale of dangerous toys available from online marketplaces. Vistalworks has developed technology that provides consumers with advice and warnings when the URL of an item is entered.

Despite Decrease In Recent Years, Rate Of Sledding-Related Injuries Still Concerning
December 16, 2020, Science Daily
Sledding is a popular winter activity, but it may not be as risk-free as many people think. A new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that 220,488 patients were treated in ERs for injuries related to sledding from 2008 – 2017.

Agency Warns Of Social Media Purchase Scams
December 16, 2020, Morganton News Herald
Social media advertising is an effective way for small businesses to get the word out about their products. Unfortunately, the BBB says the same goes for scammers.

CPSC Warns To Beware Of Potential Devastating Christmas Tree Fires
December 18, 2020, azfamily.com
With Christmas just a week away, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning about potentially devastating Christmas tree fires. According to the agency, there are about 100 Christmas tree fires reported every year.

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Memo To Biden Transition Team Urges More Active CPSC
December 110, 2020, National Law Review
Seven industry groups penned a memo to the Biden Transition Team pushing for greater power for, and greater use of existing power, by the agency. These advocates may well populate the Commission at high levels in the next few years.

Congress Raises Safety Concerns About Booster Seats
December 10, 2020, CBS This Morning
A congressional investigation is raising new questions about the safety of some popular children’s car booster seats. The probe began after a ProPublica investigation aired on “CBS This Morning” in February which showed how some booster seats got a passing grade, despite disturbing video of crash test dummies being violently tossed around during safety testing.

What Super Productive People Do Differently
December 8, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Do high achievers approach their days and their work differently than most people? How do they become so efficient and productive? Here are four tips.

Toy Association CEO Steve Pasierb Talks US Market, Trends And 2021
December 8, 2020, Toy and Hobby Retailer
What’s in store for the US toy industry. The Toy Association president and CEO Steve Pasierb updates the market on how the US toy industry is faring.

Portable Heaters Can Be Useful, But Also Hazardous If Not Used Correctly
December 8, 2020, WTVY-TV
The CPSC advises that the front, sides, and back of a portable heater to be at least 3 feet away from potentially flammable objects. They do not need to be on a carpet surface, they needs to sit on a stable surface so they do not get knocked over.

Bill Aims To Prevent Generator-Related Deaths And Injuries
December 10, 2020, Consumer Reports
For more than a decade, Consumer Reports has been advocating for improved portable generator safety. As part of that effort, CR has endorsed a bill by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to institute a mandatory safety standard for generators within one year.

Underwriters Laboratories Publishes Safety Standard For Battery Fire Containment Products
December 10, 2020 EIN Presswire
Underwriters Laboratories announced today that it published ANSI/CAN/UL 5800, Standard for Safety for Battery Fire Containment Products. The Standard provides test methodology and performance criteria to evaluate products used by airline personnel to contain portable electronic devices (PEDs) in the event of a battery fire.

Consider Safety First In Bicycle Gifts
December 8, 2020, Richmond Register
When a bicycle is at the top of a child or grandchild’s gift list, doing a little homework before you go shopping will ensure that you choose the right bike for the child’s age and abilities. For a beginner, choose a bicycle with coaster or foot brakes instead of the complicated hand brakes.

Groups Reminds Families To Stay Safe While Celebrating Holidays
December 6, 2020, NBC 12 On Your Side
The CDC and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association oversees the quality and safety of children’s products and has important suggestions for your family.

Voi Rewards Riders For Helmet Wearing Selfies
December 9, 2020, TrafficTechnologyToday
Voi Technology has announced the launch of its new helmet selfie feature, which uses AI to determine if a customer is wearing a helmet during an e-scooter ride and then rewards them for good behavior.

Lawmaker Says CDC Director Ordered Deletion of Coronavirus Risk E-Mail
December 10, 2020, Washington Post
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allegedly ordered the destruction of an email written by a top Trump administration health official who was seeking changes in a scientific report on the coronavirus’s risk to children, the head of a congressional oversight subcommittee charged.

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CPSC Targets Adult Portable Bed Rail Industry Company-By-Company
December 3, 2020, National Law Review
The Agency is seemingly applying the same approach as with its efforts to address dresser tip-overs, namely its authority to request and even require recalls. Without a final rule, the Agency is using other methods to address potentially hazardous products.

Irish MEP: Toy Safety Rules Must Also Apply To Online Purchases
December 1, 2020, Echo Live.ie
MEP Clune said: “There are so many dangerous toys being sold online and it is now more important than ever that we protect consumers. We must have the same rules for what is illegal offline to be illegal online also.”

Managing An Underperformer Who Thinks They’re Doing Great
December 2, 2020, Harvard Business Review
An under performer on your team may not realize they have an inflated view of their own less-than-stellar performance. Clearer feedback or stronger supervision may help them thrive, but it’s possible that they don’t recognize they’re struggling.

California Proposition 65: 60-Day Notices For BPA In Electronic Device Cases
December 1, 2020, Market Screener
Thirteen California 60-day notices have been issued for bisphenol A (BPA) in a variety of electronic device cases for violation of Prop 65. These notices serve as an intent to bring legal action against the recipients.

Study: Shipping Pallets Were Responsible For Sending People To Hospital Emergency Rooms
December 2, 2020, Medical and Life Sciences News
Shipping pallets, often used as display platforms in retail settings or seen as raw material for household projects, were responsible for sending more than 30,000 people to the emergency rooms of U.S. hospitals over a recent five-year period, according to a new Penn State study.

Fires, Fakes, Frauds: Watch Out This Pandemic Holiday Season
December 2, 2020, WTSP10 TV
Each year, the CPSC publishes a list of unsafe toys, along with warnings about cooking and holiday decorations. This year, because of COVID-19, the commission is saying to be extra careful. Fakes, fires and fraud are all big concerns — enhanced even more by the pandemic.

CDC Says 2-Week Coronavirus Quarantines Can Be Cut To 10 or 7 Days
December 2, 2020, Washington Post
The standard 14-day coronavirus quarantines potentially can be shortened to 10 days or even seven, according to revised guidance recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an effort to boost compliance with one of the most important tools for limiting spread of the virus.

UK Body Finds Vaping Less Harmful Than Cigarettes
December 2, 2020, The Sun Daily
A new study by a body which advises the UK’s Department of Health seems to provide the answer to the hotly debated topic of whether vaping is all that it is hyped up to be. A toxicological assessment by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) indicates vaping is less harmful than smoking.

Tips From The CDC: Is Shopping In Stores Safe During The Pandemic?
December 1, 2020, Bronx News
As we get closer to Christmas and the shopping rush at stores and supermarkets, many may be asking if it’s safe to shop in stores during the pandemic. There are ways to reduce risk, but health experts advise avoiding it when possible.

Final Approval: New European Collective Actions
November 30, 2020, JD Supra
24 November 2020 marks the final approval of the new European collective actions legislation, the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers, and repealing Directive 2009/22/EC (the “Directive”).

Brexit: Will The Borders Be Ready?
December 1, 2020, BBC
With a month to go until the end of the post-Brexit transition period, there’s still no clarity about exactly how the UK’s borders will operate outside the EU’s economic zone – the single market and the customs union.

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Rare CPSC Penalty Referral To DOJ May Signal A More Aggressive Agency
November 21, 2020, National Law Review
In a rare move, the CPSC has asked the Department of Justice to pursue and potentially litigate a civil penalty matter. In an even rarer move, the CPSC has publicly disclosed the request.

Presidential Election Portends Changes At The Nation’s Leading Product Safety Agency
November 20, 2020, JDSupra
The transition to a new administration will eventually change the face of the CPSC for years to come. The pandemic, the issue of a stalled appointment of a new chairman and pending replacement of retiring Commissioners raise questions on the Commission’s direction.

The Harmful Chemical Lurking In Your Childrens’ Toys
November 23, 2020, New York Times
A Duke University scientist tracks the dangers of flame retardants, meant to protect children, and why manufacturers cannot seem to stop using them.

The Case For Asking Sensitive Questions
November 24, 2020, Harvard Business Review
“How much money do you make?” We often avoid asking questions that feel too sensitive or personal. But avoiding these potentially awkward conversations comes at a cost: When negotiating a salary or choosing where to live.

New Study: More Kids Injured By Tiny Magnets After Ban Lifted
November 24, 2020, U.S. News & World Report
Small, powerful magnets are causing an alarming number of serious injuries in the U.S., new research warns. When these small magnets are swallowed, the potential for serious injury is high, noted study lead author Dr. Michael Flaherty, a physician at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

50K Unsafe Toys Destroyed; Experts Warn Of Uncertified Items
November 23, 2020, The Irish Sun
With more Irish consumers shopping on-line this year, the CCPC is highlighting the risks of poor quality, unsafe or non-compliant products. Products can be dangerous, particularly childrens’ toys or gifts.

‘Tis The Season To Be Safe: Top Tips For Your Family During COVID-19
November 20, 2020, WFMZ-TV
The CPSC releases the latest data for injuries and deaths related to toys, holiday decorating and cooking; announces 2020 toy recalls.

E-Commerce Retailers In Australia Voluntarily Pledge To Improve Product Safety Online
November 22, 2020, ZDNet
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently announced that four of Australia’s e-commerce businesses have voluntarily committed to protecting consumers from unsafe goods sold online after signing the Australian Product Safety Pledge.

CPSC Issues COVID-19 Consumer Products Guidance, Further Muddying The Regulatory Waters And Increasing Scrutiny Of COVID-19 Products
November 24, 2020, National Law Review
In late October, the CPSC issued guidance asserting that certain consumer protection rules within its jurisdiction apply to PPE, and reminding consumers of the CPSC laws that apply to cleaning/disinfectant products. The CPSC commissioners disagree about the import or official applicability of the COVID guidance.

Courts Being Used To Challenge The Efficacy Of Product Recalls
November 24, 2020, JDSupra
Consumer product companies are facing a new wave of legal challenges related to recall programs negotiated with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

CDC To Shorten Length Of Quarantine For Those Exposed To COVID-19
November 24, 2020, NBC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is finalizing plans to shorten the recommended length of quarantine for those exposed to Covid-19.

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NIST Report Finds Mattress Flammability Standard Is A Lifesaver
November 18, 2020, PHYS.org
A 2007 standard for mattress flammability from the CPSC sought to curb the danger of fires, which caused an estimated 95 deaths annually from 2002-2005. The standard reduced the risk. Now industry leaders are searching for ways to do better.

New Jersey Boy Who Swallowed Toy Magnets Needed Intestinal Surgery
November 19, 2020, NBC
Doctors couldn’t figure out what made 6-year-old Cameron Moreau sick — until his x-ray revealed he ate magnetic balls he received for his birthday, his mom says.

First Responders Offer Winter Weather Safety Tips
November 18, 2020, smnewsnet.com
The National Fire Protection Association knows where the winter fire risk resides in homes: heaters, carbon monoxide, candles, electrical equipment and generators. Now they want consumers to be on guard.

Is Self-Sabotage Burning You Out?
November 19, 2020, HBR
Our workplaces can be hazardous to our wellbeing. Strict demands, never-ending changes, and unfair policies are just a few things that contribute to burnout.

Study Shows Lung Damage In One Third Of E-Cigarette Users
November 19, 2020, Medical News 365
The National Youth Tobacco Survey in 2020 indicates that about 33% of people who vape have symptoms that are usually associated with lung damage. In fact, the report shows that they have at least 1 and possibly more of the 5 symptoms linked to lung damage.

AG Nessel Sues Trump DoE Over Energy Efficiency Standard
November 18, 2020, CBS
Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined 15 other attorneys general and New York City in filing suit against the Trump administration’s Department of Energy for failing to meet legal deadlines for reviewing and updating national energy efficiency standards.

ICPHSO’S 2020 International Symposium: Sustainability, New Tech, COVID-19, Recalls And Traceability
November 19, 2020, Mondaq

The NEXT 50 Companies To Disrupt The World In A Really Great Way For 2020
November 18, 2020, biofuelsdigest
The advanced bioeconomy has diversified significantly and the NEXT 50 includes companies focused on fuels, chemicals, foods, new crops and crop protection, animal feeds and engineered biology services.

Biden’s Surprisingly Simple Plan To Clean Up “Forever Chemicals” Could Actually Work
November 18, 2020, INVERSE
President-elect Biden pledged in an environmental plan to designate PFAS as hazardous within the Superfund cleanup law, and to set limits for these chemicals in the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Industry To UK Leaders: Toy Shop Opening ‘Crucial For The Industry’s Survival’
November 16, 2020, Toy News
The British Toy and Hobby Association and the Toy Retailers Association have made fresh calls on the UK government to take swift action in adding toy shops to the essential retailers list or assure the industry that shops will be allowed to re-open from December 2nd, in a move that will be ‘crucial for the industry.’

What Inclusive Leaders Sound Like
November 19, 2020, Harvard Business Review
When leaders commit to building an inclusive organization, they tend to start with the company mission, vision, values, and a promise to ensure everyone in the organization has a voice. But if they don’t change the way they communicate every day with their employees, leaders are missing a crucial piece.

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Clearer Expectations For The CPSC In The Biden Era
November 14, 2020, National Law Review
Now that Joe Biden will take over the White House in January, the near future for the CPSC is a little clearer. While there are still a couple key unknowns, we can now get closer to answering what the CPSC of 2021 and beyond will look like.

CDC Says Wearing A Mask Protects Both You And Everyone Else
November 10, 2020, NBC News
Wearing a mask not only protects others from the spread of COVID-19, but it protects the wearer as well, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said recently in its strongest messaging yet on face coverings.

Senators Introduce COVID-19 Consumer Protection Legislation
November 12, 2020, WIBW
The bill would require the CPSC to study injuries and deaths caused by products during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the impact of the injuries on members of vulnerable groups and work with the media to distribute information.

You’re Delegating. It’s Not Working. Here’s Why.
November 12, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Many managers know the supposed benefits of delegation: It offers the opportunity to develop employees, while removing tasks from your never-ending to-do list. While many individuals find delegation is good in theory, it falls apart in practice.

Legislative Update: PFAS Consumer Products Regulation
November 14, 2020, National Law Review
As 2020 comes to a close and we begin to discuss in earnest the potential impacts of a Biden-Harris administration on U.S. environmental policy, it is important to look at the current and potential PFAS consumer products regulations.

AI Computer Vision Used On E-Scooters To Detect Pedestrians
November 1, 2020, Smart Cities World
European e-scooter operator Voi Technology and micromobility start-up Luna have teamed to integrate computer vision for e-scooters that will help detect pedestrians and pavements.

Sound The Alarm: Pants Do Catch Fire; CPSC Urges Seniors To Stay Vigilant About Clothing Fire Safety
November 12, 2020, CPSC
Did you know that older Americans (over 65) are one of the groups at greatest risk of dying in a fire? Seniors are 16% of the population, but they account for 77% of the deaths from clothing fires. The CPSC wants to sound the alarm on this sobering statistic, by reminding our senior community to stay vigilant about fire safety.

New Consumer Agenda: European Commission To Empower Consumers To Become The Driver Of Transition
November 13, 2020, European Commission
The European Commission launched the New Consumer Agenda to empower European consumers to play an active role in the green and digital transitions. The Agenda also addresses how to increase consumer protection and resilience during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought significant challenges affecting the daily lives of consumers.

Protect Your Family Before And After Hurricane Eta
November 6, 2020, Health News Digest
As Hurricane Eta threatens several states, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to be prepared for power outages and to take steps now to keep their families safe.

Blog: Product Recall Insurance: Checking is the Best Policy
November 11, 2020, JDSupra
Over the last few years, a number of factors, including the introduction of a new UK regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards, and an increased international focus on enforcing product safety regulatory regimes, have led to an increase in the frequency of product recalls. This, and the fact that recalls are becoming more complex and expensive, has strengthened demand for product recall insurance.

Recall Roundup
November 10, 2020, The Sentinel
Candles, mugs, fitness timers recalled over fire, burn hazards.

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Pfizer Says Its Coronavirus Vaccine Is Over 90% Effective
November 9, 2020, Politico
The better-than-expected result is the first Phase III data from any of the four candidates now in the final stage of testing in the U.S. That result is “encouraging but preliminary,” experts said.

How China And The US Threaten The World Trading System
November 4, 2020, The Diplomat
The world’s two biggest economies are also threats to the global trading system. As China became more integrated into the global system, its use of coercion to serve its interests increased. Tensions between the U.S. and China have heightened.

Recalls in Review: Lithium-ion Batteries
November 4, 2020, Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
The CPSC has conducted at least 64 recalls involving lithium-ion batteries since 2006. The number of recalls rose substantially in 2016 and 2017, many of which were related to the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries inside hoverboards and laptop computers. The Commission took a more active role in warning consumers about the hazards posed by the batteries after two incidents of overheating lead to serious house fires in March and October of 2017.

E-scooters To Get Fake Engine Noises To Warn Pedestrians
November 3, 2020, The Daily Mail
E-scooters will be fitted with artificial noises to warn pedestrians they are coming. Experts are looking into which sound would be most effective to alert other road users that the vehicles are approaching. Fake engine sounds are being considered.

Stay Cool Under Pressure Without Appearing Cold
November 5, 2020, Harvard Business Review
If you handle stress with ease, while your boss and team become wound ever tighter, you may give the impression that you don’t care about the work. Being cool under stress is an asset, but your colleagues may read your nature as “nonchalance.”

Harvard Study Says Flying During Pandemic Is Low-Risk
October 29, 2020, AARP
Air travel now is no more risky than going to a grocery store, says a Harvard report. Researchers found “a relatively very low risk of acquiring COVID-19 while flying” due to air-filtering systems and requirements that passengers wear masks.

Streamline Your Chemical Management With SAAS
Nov. 5, 2020, Occupation Health Safety
As part of a comprehensive environmental, health and safety (EHS) program, preventing exposure to chemical hazards is critical to protecting your employees. Preventing chemical hazard exposure starts with a safety data sheet (SDS) management system designed to support the elimination, substitution, exposure control or use of hazardous materials.

CDC Advises: How To Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely
November 4, 2020, CNET
Just because the holidays won’t look the same this year as others, there are still ways to celebrate holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and New Year’s safely, according to the CDC Holiday Guidelines and other health authorities.

AG Landry Warns about Recalled Children’s Products
November 5, 2020, Myarklamiss.com
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is warning parents about several children’s products that have recently been recalled. General Landry said, “In order to help ensure the well-being of all Louisiana children, I urge parents and guardians to take a brief moment to learn about these recalled products.”

Manufacturing History From The Year You Were Born
November 7, 2020, Winston Salem Journal
A synopsis of how manufacturing evolved during—and steered the evolution of—an American century defined by advances so revolutionary that their impact is still being felt today.

The Great E-Scooter Debate
November 5, 2020, Axios
Fun, helpful and convenient or dangerous eyesores for the young? Whichever side you take, shared e-scooters are coming in March to New York City — that is, to the four boroughs other than Manhattan.

UK Creates Technology Hub For More ‘Ethical’ Business With China
November 7, 2020, Economic Times
The UK government has published guidance it says will help UK firms negotiate the “ethical, legal and commercial” questions they may encounter in China, or when working with Chinese businesses, and safeguard national security concern.

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CPSC’s Feldman Wants To Increase The Agency’s Enforcement Budget 10%
October 30, 2020, CPSC
CPSC Commissioner Peter Feldman has reintroduced an amendment to the agency’s 2021 Operating Plan that would increase the enforcement budget by 10%. He explained his rationale in a statement. He notes: “Too often, and particularly in recent months, the CPSC has fallen short in discharging this duty, as evidenced by fewer recalls, longer wait times, and more settlements that don’t advance consumer safety.”

CPSC Proposes Mandatory Crib Mattress Safety Standard
October 29, 2020, Furniture Today
In an effort to reduce fatalities associated with infant suffocation, the CPSC has proposed a mandatory safety standard for crib mattresses including full-size and non-full-size crib mattresses and after-market mattresses for play yards.

ACCC Head Urges Prevention, Not Reaction And Recall
October 28, 2020, The Conversation
A general safety provision, backed by financial penalties and other regulatory powers, would require them to supply only safe products, taking into factors such as consumer expectations and industry best practices.

Google, BASF And Sephora Are Coming Together On Chemistry
October 28, 2020, Green Biz
Google is among ChemFORWARD’s roster of “co-design” partners that includes Sephora, Target, Levi’s, HP, Levi Strauss, H&M, Nike, Steelcase and Method, each recognized for various leadership efforts toward safer chemistry.

Republicans: CPSC Must Ask Questions About Chinese Products
October 29, 2020, Ripon Advance
Republican House members questioned the CPSC about Chinese products that may be the result of human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims. The CPSC must assure that it is taking steps to address this, the members wrote to CPSC Acting Chair Adler.

How To Thrive When Everything Feels Terrible
October 30, 2020, Harvard Business Review
It can feel impossible to escape from negativity right now. Fortunately, research shows that we can protect ourselves from the damaging effects of toxicity by taking steps to ensure we are “thriving.”

CPSC Says Its Time To Check And Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
October 29, 2020, KTBS-TV
“Early warning is crucial to getting out of a house fire alive and for surviving CO poisoning,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler. “I encourage everyone to check and change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Doing this can save you and your family in a fire or CO emergency.”

Could The Pandemic Renew Public Trust In Science?
October 29, 2020, Washington Post
A new survey from 3M suggests that this experience may have fundamentally changed the way citizens view science. The results from 3M’s most recent State of Science Index Survey offer a glimpse into how the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives has bolstered public faith in science for the first time in years.

Many Toys Bought By Irish Parents Online Fail EU Safety Laws
October 28, 2020, Offaly Express
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has asked the European Commission to focus on sellers not adhering to regulations at the European Commission. This comes as the EU is finalising plans for new legislation called the Digital Services Act (DSA), which will set guidelines for the new online landscape, including online platforms.

Tough Macho Leadership Is Over. Here’s What’s Taking Its Place
October 30, 2020, Fast Company
Tough macho leaders put their teams and followers at risk. Vulnerable leaders who don’t hide their weaknesses make their teams and followers stronger.

AHLA: Support Grows For Hotel Industry’s Safe Stay
October 29, 2020, Hotel Business
Support for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Safe Stay initiative continues to grow with endorsements coming from leading scientists, physicians and public health experts in epidemiology and infectious disease, the association reports.

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