In the News: September 14, 2020

EU Vows To Hold COVID Vaccine Firms Liable For Side Effects
September 10, 2020, Regulatory Focus
Developers of COVID-19 vaccines used in the European Union will be legally liable in the event of hidden defects or other problems with their products, a senior official at the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety has vowed.
CNN finds 70+ AmazonBasics Products Reported As Safety Risks
September 10, 2020, CNN
A CNN investigation found that numerous AmazonBasics products have been reported, in consumer reviews, as fire safety hazards. Electrical engineers told CNN that electronics like those sold under AmazonBasics should rarely pose danger.
woom bikes USA Recalls Kid’s Helmets Due To Head Injury Risk
September 10, 2020, CSPC Website
This recall involves woom bikes USA children’s helmets. The recalled helmets were sold in blue, green, purple, red and yellow and in size S. woom is printed on both sides of the helmets. Only the small-sized helmets are included in this recall.
Take Ownership Of Your Future Self
August 20, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Despite awareness that our past self is clearly different than our present self, we tend to think that who we are right now is the “real” and “finished” version of ourselves, and our future self will be basically the same as who we are today.
National Guardsman Bought Tampa Home Tainted By Toxic Drywall
September 9, 2020, Tampa Bay Times
The CPSC has determined that drywall or gypsum board should not contain more than 10 parts per million of elemental sulfur. Drywall taken from the couple’s bedroom had Chinese markings and a sulfur level of 33 parts per million
Senators Agree To Forge Plan To Reduce Greenhouse Gas
September 10, 2020, Washington Post
In a rare show of defiance of the Trump administration, key Senate Republicans joined Democrats in agreeing to phase out chemicals widely used in air conditioners and refrigeration that are warming the planet. Despite the Trump administration’s refusal to join a global agreement to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, which are among the world’s most potent drivers of climate change, a push by U.S. firms and environmentalists appears to have swayed lawmakers.
August CPSC Recall Roundup
September 9, 2020, National Law Review
Even in a pandemic, some things do not change. This month’s Recall Roundup finds the CPSC focusing on dangers that have been front and center for some time. Specifically, the CPSC continues to focus its regulatory efforts on protecting consumers from product defects in all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and other recreational off-highway vehicles such as snowmobiles, golf carts, and utility vehicles.
CPSC Releases Campaign Video: “Even When  You’re Watching” Anchor It!
September 10, 2020, CPSC.gov
CPSC Campaign video released shows how quickly children can be injured or killed; urges families to secure furniture and televisions.
4 Questions To Help Women Navigate The Second Half Of Their Careers
September 4, 2020, Harvard Business Review
For many women, their 50s the perfect time to reinvest in their careers. The author offers 4 questions to ask that can help anyone rethink — and achieve — their professional goals.
House Energy And Commerce Greenlights Bill To Explore AI, Blockchain Use For Consumer Safety
September 10, 2020, NextGov
The Blockchain Innovation Act was put forth by its original co-sponsor Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., as part of an amendment to the Artificial Intelligence for Consumer Product Safety Act.
The AI for Consumer Product Safety Act—which was amended to include the new blockchain language and passed during the hours-long markup—would also mandate the Consumer Product Safety Commission to produce a pilot program leveraging AI to advance some element of consumer product safety.

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

In the News: September 7, 2020

Hoverboard Manufacturer Wins Dismissal Of Consumer Claim
September 1, 2020, Law Street
The Eastern District Court of Tennessee dismissed a federal Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) claim lodged by a Tennessee family against hoverboard manufacturer Jet.com, Inc. The court concluded that the plaintiffs failed to state a claim for which relief could be granted because they did not have a private right of action under the CPSA.
Toy Group Postpones Toy Fair Dallas And Toy Fair New York
August 28, 2020, Action Figure Insider
A letter from the President of the Toy Association announces that the Dallas Toy Fair and the New York Toy Fair will be postponed and rescheduled for 2021. The letter details future association efforts to serve the industry and the public.
Assessment: How Productive Are You?
August 2018, Harvard Business Reviews
When thinking about your productivity, you need to understand your priorities, and then you can plan your schedule to focus on your top priorities. The goal: Reduce the time you spend on getting through the small stuff thaB clutters up your life.
Texas Woman Severely burned After Hand Sanitizer Catches Fire
September 4, 2020, CBS News
A Texas woman continues to recover after her hand sanitizer allegedly caught fire while she was trying to light a candle. She put on a hand sanitizer and when she lit a candle, her hand caught fire. She had severe burns on her entire body.
Best Practices To Re-connect Employees During Ongoing Crisis
September 1, 2020, HDR
While COVID-19 poses new challenges, getting companies back to the workplace after a crisis is something that has been done many times and significant lessons have been learned. There are three key principles that successful leaders have followed, and some valuable processes to help embed them.
Lawnmowers Kill More People Than Bears, Sharks And Alligators Each Year
September 2, 2020, Newsweek
Movies like Jaws and Deep Blue Sea may have impacted your perceptions of the beach, but the likelihood of being attacked by a shark is still incredibly low. In fact, humans are more at risk of being killed by a lawnmower than they ever would by a great white.
PFAS Liability: “Sovereign Immunity” Means Companies May Foot The Bill
September 1, 2020, National Law Review
Environmental watch groups, legislators, the media, and litigators have all squarely focused on PFAS contamination in one primary source – water. More specifically, drinking water. Environmental groups test local water supplies and report PFAS counts, politicians introduce bills at the state and federal levels to regulate the amount of PFAS permitted in drinking water, the media gives citizens daily news updates on PFAS in drinking water, and lawsuits are increasingly filed for both personal injury and remediation costs.
45% Of  Women Business Leaders Say It’s Difficult For Women To Speak Up In Virtual Meetings
September 3, 2020, CNBC
In the recent survey of 1,100 U.S. working adults over the age of 18, Catalyst, a nonprofit that works to accelerate women into leadership, found that 45% of women business leaders say it’s difficult for women to speak up in virtual meetings
CDC Asks States To Speed Approvals So Coronavirus Vaccine Sites Ready By Nov. 1
September 2, 2020, CNBC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking states to expedite the approval process for medical supply company McKesson so it can set up coronavirus vaccination sites by Nov. 1, CNBC has confirmed.
Recycling, End-Of-Life And Safe Transport Of Batteries Under Spotlight In U.S. And EU Initiatives
September 3, 2020, Energy Storage News
Guidelines for what should happen to lithium-ion battery storage systems at the end of their lifetime have been launched in the US by the national Energy Storage Association.

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

In the News: August 31, 2020

Amazon Backs Proposed California Product Liability Law
August 25, 2020, Reuters
Less than two weeks after a California appeals court ruling, Amazon issued a surprise announcement. It offered conditional support for a proposed California law that would make it easier for consumers to hold electronic retailers responsible for allowing defective products to reach the marketplace.
In New Guidance, CDC To Workers: Don’t Argue With Anti-Mask Customers
August 26, 2020, Forbes
The Centers for Disease Control discouraged employees from arguing with customers about following coronavirus policies or trying to force them to cooperate if they make threatening statements or show indications, they could become violent, for their own safety.
CPSC Recalls In Review: Bicycle Helmets
August 26, 2020, Retail Consumer Products Law
The Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted 26 bicycle helmet recalls, the first in 1995 and the latest just last week. CPSC attention to helmets remains fairly steady over time, with at least one recall most years, and no significant enforcement “spikes” at any point.
How To Make Rational Decisions In The Face Of Uncertainty
August 28, 2020, Harvard Business Review
When we feel such heightened uncertainty, our decision-making processes can break down. We may become paralyzed and afraid to act, or we may act on the basis of bias, emotion, and intuition instead of logic and facts.
Women Have Been Better Leaders Than Men During The Pandemic
August 26, 2020, BusinessWorld
During the first wave of COVID-19, countries led by females had fewer deaths than nations led by men. It does not imply that women are better leaders in whatever else governments find themselves doing, But it’s worth pondering, nonetheless.
CPSC Urges ATV Riders To Know Risks And Follow Safety Tips
August 25, 2020, CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all consumers using ATVs to understand the risks and necessary safety measures of ATVs before riding them. “While CPSC understands the draw of riding an ATV, we cannot stress enough that these vehicles are not toys,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler.
Business marketing: Understand What Customers Value
First Published October 1998, Harvard Business Review
How do you define value? can you measure it? What are your products and services actually worth to customers? Remarkably few suppliers in business markets are able to answer those questions. And yet the ability to pinpoint the value of a product or service for one’s customer has never been more important.
4 Skills For Virtual Leadership Excellence
August 27, 2020, Association for Talent Development
Employees often turn to their leaders for inspiration, guidance, coaching, and help reaching their goals. But that probably seems like a struggle to accomplish if you’ve found yourself with a remote workforce.
Environmental Groups Push For Rule On Firefighting Foam, Decry Industry Influence
August 27, 2020, The Journal Times
A coalition of environmental organizations is calling on Wisconsin’s natural resources policy board to approve temporary regulations on the firefighting foam containing PFAS. which have been linked to cancer.
Bleach “Expires” And Color-Safe Bleach Doesn’t Disinfect
August 26, 2020, KSAT.com
Scripps Research Institute (SRI) states that bleach has a shelf life of six months before it starts to degrade. “Bleach becomes 20 percent less effective as each year goes by.” Color-safe bleach does not disinfect like regular bleach does because they have different active ingredients. Color-safe bleach uses hydrogen peroxide while regular bleach has sodium hypochlorite.
Evolution Of Sourcing: A 2020 Survey Of Trends
August 26, 2020, QIMA
This survey was conducted in July 2020 by QIMA, a leading provider of supply chain compliance solutions. Drawing on input from 200+ businesses around the world across a variety of consumer product segments, and building on previous QIMA research, this report analyzes the evolution of global sourcing in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, US-China trade tensions, and other disruptions to global supply chain.
Business Continuity vs. Disaster Recovery: What’s The Difference?
August 26, 2020, The Enterprisers Project
The line between business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) may seem fuzzy, but there are important differences between the two. Here’s what you should know

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

In the News: August 24, 2020

Retailers Launch Coalition To Protect Consumers Online
August 14, 2020, RILA
RILA launches the Buy Safe America Coalition, a diverse group of associations who support efforts at all levels of government to combat organized retail crime (ORC) and protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods.
Seattle Releases Electric Scooter Regulations Amid Questions
August 20, 2020, Government Technology
Electric scooters could finally hit Seattle streets, more than a year after Mayor Jenny Durkan said she was open to allowing the devices that have become commonplace. Under an SDOT plan companies could offer scooters as soon as September.
ACC Petitions California Supreme Court To Remove Plasticizer From Prop 65 List
August 18, 2020, Plastics Today
The plasticizer diisononyl phthalate (DINP) was added to California’s Proposition 65 list of substances that may cause an increased risk of cancer in 2013. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has filed a petition with the California Supreme Court seeking a review of its challenge to the listing of DINP.
Florida Family Wakes In The Night To Glass Table Shattering On Its Own
August 20, 2020, WTSP
A Florida family says they woke up in the middle of the night to what they thought was an explosion. What they found was their dining room table shattered into thousands of pieces.
Administration Bars FDA From Regulating Some Laboratory Tests, Including Coronavirus
August 20, 2020, Washington Post
The Trump administration this week blocked the Food and Drug Administration from regulating a broad swath of laboratory tests, including for the coronavirus, in a move strongly opposed by the agency.
Research: How One Bad Employee Can Corrupt A Whole Team
March 5, 2018, Harvard Business Review
Even honest employees are more likely to commit misconduct if they work alongside a dishonest individual. While it would be nice to think that the honest employees would prompt the dishonest employees to better choices, that’s not always the case.
August 2020 Wrap-Up of Federal And State Chemical Regulatory Developments
August 18, 2020, JDSupra
On June 30, 2020, the Trump Administration released the Spring 2020 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions for EPA. According to the Unified Agenda, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) is working on several rulemakings under TSCA. Rulemakings at the proposed stage are summarized in our memorandum.
Why Social Responsibility Produces More Resilient Organizations
August 20, 2020, MIT Sloan Management Review
In moments of crisis, companies quickly shift their attention to survival. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Under these circumstances, businesses are scrambling to cope with employee safety and enforced shutdowns, among many other challenges. So it may seem misguided to focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) now. But, in fact, there might be no better time.
California Court Rules Amazon Does Have Liability For A Defective Product
August 16, 2020, Bicycle Retailer
An appeals court in California ruled Thursday that Amazon is not shielded from liability for defective products sold by third-party sellers through its online marketplace. Nationally this California Appellate case is one of the first decided against Amazon holding them directly liable for a defective product sold on its marketplace.
New York Lawmakers Want Safety Standards For Reopening Businesses
August 20, 2020, Spectrum Local News
State lawmakers on Wednesday unveield legislation aimed at affording broad safety and worker protection rules in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. Known as the NY HERO Act, the proposal would require the state Department of Labor and the Department of Health to set in place minimum standards for safety, which would have fines attached for failure to comply.
American Cleaning Institute Partners With NIH’s National Eye Institute on Ocular Safety
August 20, 2020, Newswise
The American Cleaning Institute launched a partnership with the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Eye Institute (NEI) as part of the Packets Up! campaign to help educate families on the simple steps to prevent accidental eye exposures among children in the laundry room.

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

In the News: August 17, 2020

Study Says Too Many Kids Getting Seriously Hurt Riding ATVs
August 13, 2020, Health Day News
All-terrain vehicles are a big draw for kids, but a new study by a national hospital warns that the ride can often land children in the ER. US data over a 25-year period shows nearly 280,000 kids were treated for ATV-related head and neck injuries.
CA court: Amazon Liable For Faulty Products Sold On Its Site
August 13, 2020, CNBC
A California appeals court ruled recently that Amazon can be held liable in the state for faulty products sold on its website. The ruling deals a major blow to Amazon, which has for years fought off product liability lawsuits.
Chests Sold By Kmart Recalled Due To Tip-Over Risk To Kids
August 12, 2020, MSN
Nearly 20,000 four-drawer chests sold by Kmart nationwide are being recalled because the furniture is unstable and could topple over and potentially injure or kill children, according to the CPSC.
What Sets Great Managers Apart From Average Ones
August 2020, Harvard Business Review
“The best boss I ever had.” That’s a phrase most of us have said or heard at some point, but what does it mean? What sets the great boss apart from the average boss? What do great managers actually do?
The Cost Of Returns: Should Retailers Rethink Their Policies
August 10, 2020, Knowledge@Wharton
A recent Wharton study found that roughly 10% of purchases are returned, adding up to billions of dollars a year, with online returns higher than in-store. Retailers are struggling for a response to the trend.
Administration Proposes Easing Showerhead Standards
August 12, 2020, KTEN
The US Department of Energy released a proposal to roll back water efficiency standards for showerheads, just days after President Donald Trump had publicly aired his water flow grievances, including an inability to wash his “beautiful hair properly.”
Made in China’ Label Ruling Hits A Raw Nerve In Hong Kong
August 14, 2020, Washington Post
The US determined that Hong Kong no longer had autonomy under its “one country, two systems” formula, ruled imports from Hong Kong must be labeled “made in China.” Those three words sent Hong Kong officials into a collective tailspin.
IoT: How The U.K.’s Regulatory Plans Could Raise Compliance Standards
August 12, 2020, National Law Review
The U.K. government recently launched a consultation process for regulating consumer Internet of Things (IOT) security. This could have significant implications for U.S. manufacturers, given that the U.K. will remain a key sales market following Brexit.
In Today’s Deep Recession, Consumer Spending Is Above Pre-Pandemic Levels. Why?
August 12, 2020, Forbes
The US is now enduring the worst recession in 80 years: Employment in July was about 13 million below February’s number, yet in June, consumer spending on goods was 5 percent above pre-Covid-19 levels. Why?
Brene Brown: What It Takes To Be A Brave Leader Right Now
August 13, 2020, CMO
Organizations and leaders need to stop seeing results-driven performance, accomplishment and achievement, and empathy, care and connection, as mutually exclusive items and focus instead on uniting the two for corporate success, says the professor, lecturer author and podcast producer.

 

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

In the News: August 10, 2020

Consumers Suspicious If Companies Exceed Recall Expectations
August 4, 2020, Phys.org
Companies that are generous in compensating customers during a product-recall crisis may be creating unintended negative consequence, says a UConn marketing professor. He advocates aligning the remedy value to the severity of the injury involved.
Failing Lithium-ion Batteries Causing Fires In Homes Every Week
August 7, 2020, ABC News/au
Lithium-ion batteries used in phones, laptops, cordless tools and toys are starting fires in Queensland, Australia, homes every week. Experts say to reduce risk buy batteries from reputable sellers and monitor them while charging.
New Clorox CEO Tasked With Increasing Supply, Staying In Stock
August 4, 2020, Supply Chain Dive
Incoming Clorox CEO Linda Rendle said her number 1 priority for the near term is to increase the company’s supply chain capacity and get essential cleaning products back in stock. “We’re not satisfied with our service levels right now,” she said.
Follow-up Action On Dangerous Product Alerts In Europe Increased In 2019
August 6, 2020, International Institute for Sustainable Development
The EC has published its latest report on preventing or restricting the sale of dangerous products on the market. The report shows that authorities took more than 4,400 follow-up actions following alerts exchanged through the EC’s Rapid Alert System.
CDC: 39% Of Adults Using Cleaning Products Incorrectly
August 6, 2020, Fox News
The CDC survey, published in the prestigious JAMA, found that 19% of respondents applied bleach to food items while 18% used cleaning products and disinfectants on their hand or skin.
Anxious About What’s Next? Here’s How To Cope
August 4, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Times of significant transition or “liminal periods” – at the boundary of a new state or experience – can make us feel untethered and disoriented. But at the same time, they have great potential to spur self-reflection and growth.
Which Hand Sanitizers Are Being Recalled? 115 Products Are On The FDA’s List
August 4, 2020, Good Housekeeping
The FDA has updated its recall list to include 115 different hand sanitizers due to failing standards on randomized tests. Many products have tested positive for methanol, a type of alcohol that is toxic when ingested and may be harmful when applied directly to the skin.
Soft Skills Are Vital To Safety Professionals’ Career
July 26, 2020, Safety+Health
Unlike hard skills – quantifiable technical knowledge gained through education, training and certification – soft skills can be difficult to define. No matter how they’re defined, soft skills are vital to safety professionals’ career growth and development.
Shoppers Are Forming New Habits in the Pandemic. These Retailers Could Benefit
August 2, 2020, Barrons
There is no doubt that the shopping landscape has changed as consumers adapt to the pandemic. A new study shows that the current environment presents opportunity—and pitfalls—for retailers.
Battery Swapping Is Playing An Important Role In Micromobility
August 5, 2020, Forbes
A wide variety of micromobility vendors—such as Raido, Bolt Mobility, TIER Mobility GmbH, Dott, Neuron, JUMP, Revel, and Gogoro—are developing and using battery swapping technology to make their products more convenient and their businesses more profitable.
Vietnam And Mexico Could Become Major Players In Global Supply Chains
August 3, 2020, Peterson Institute for International Economics
Major companies like Omnidex, GoPro, Apple, Microsoft, and Google have either already shifted or announced plans to shift production of inputs in their global supply chains from China to Vietnam and/or Mexico.

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

In the News: August 3, 2020

Toxics Group Spurs Nationwide Efforts To Ban PFAS In Packaging
July 31, 2020, Bloomberglaw
A coalition that decades ago fought heavy metals in food packaging is expanding its efforts, urging states from New Hampshire to California to ban “forever chemicals” in all forms of packaging.
A Management Playbook For The New Normal? What It Says.
July 31, 2020, Forbes
If we could have a management playbook designed specifically to help us guide and get the most from our teams amid persistent uncertainty and continuous change, what would it include?
How To Bring Manufacturing Back To The U.S. From China
July 20, 2020, Made In America.com
After decades of U.S. companies moving production to China for cheap labor and fewer regulations, some are finally starting to return. The pandemic has exposed the high-risk factor of making everything in China and businesses are starting to catch onto the value of American-made.
Electric Scooters Return To Chicago For Pilot Program Year 2
July 30, 2020, Chicago Tribune
The next round of the electric scooter pilot program is slated to launch Aug. 12 in Chicago, including 10,000 scooters from Bird, Lime and Spin, according to city and company officials.
Recalls In Review: Recall Trends In 2020
July 31, 2020, Retail &Consumer Products Law Review
As we launch into the third quarter of 2020, we are taking a look at the trends from the CPSC’s recalls through the first half of the year. The Commission has conducted 145 total recalls so far this year.
How To Build A Company That (Actually) Values Integrity
July 31, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Leaders are increasingly held accountable for poor behavior, and companies are pushed by employees, governments, and customers to step up and adopt a multi-stakeholder approach that serves social purposes as well as investor demands.
CPSC Publishes New Safety Standard For Gates And Enclosures</strong>
July 6, 2020, QIMA Regulatory Update
On July 6, 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a final rule establishing a safety standard for gates and enclosures that are intended to confine a child. The final rule 16 CFR 1239 adopts the existing ASTM F1004 – 19, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures.
How Retail Bankruptcies Have Shifted Consumer Spending
July 30, 2020, The Motley Fool
A look at the newest round of retail bankruptcies and the reasons behind them.
An Introduction To California’s Proposition 65: What Is Proposition 65?
July 28, 2020, JDSupra
California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known as “Proposition 65,” requires businesses that sell consumer products—including food—to notify Californians about certain chemicals that are in those products.
Consumers Still Afraid To Shop In-Store As More Retailers Say “Mask Up”
July 28, 2020, Business Wire
As more major retailers require customers to wear a mask in-store, a recent survey by First Insight found that many women feel unsafe trying out beauty products, trying on apparel in dressing rooms unsafe trying on shoes.

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Innovation, Organizational Development, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Product Standards, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Uncategorized

In the News: July 27, 2020

Trump’s CPSC pick “Dead For Now,” Key Senator Says
July 22, 2020, Huffington Post
Dr. Nancy Beck, President Donald Trump’s controversial nominee to run the Consumer Product Safety Commission, doesn’t have the votes to get confirmed, a key senator said. “It’s dead for now,” the senator said.
How To Create A Workplace That Actually Inspires Passion
July 23, 2020, Harvard Business Review
How do we create learning environments that inspire passion — and how do we scale them to work in even the largest institutions?
PA Supreme Court To Take Up Amazon Products Liability Case
July 21, 2020, Law.com
At the request of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of whether Amazon should be strictly liable for a third-party vendor’s defective product.
Public Consultations On 2 New EU Consumer Law Initiatives
July 17, 2020, Cooley
The EU is consulting on two consumer law initiatives which would introduce new requirements for online transactions, information on repairability and the lifespan of products, and measures to curb premature product obsolescence.
Surge In E-Scooter Sales Prompts Warning From Safety Experts
July 22, 2020, Engineering & Technology
Almost one in seven UK adults are planning on purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter this year, equivalent to more than seven million people, but a charity, Electrical Safety First, has warned that they can present a danger to riders.
Balancing Sensitivity With Business Strategy In Times Of Crisis
July 20, 2020, Chief Executive
How do companies avoid seeming insensitive or exploitative during this crisis while continuing to exist — which, bottom line, means continuing to grow revenue?
10 Steps Businesses Can Take To Improve Diversity And Inclusion In The Workforce
July 21, 2020, Forbes
Out of the entire Fortune 500, only 4 CEOs are Black, a whopping .08%— and as of 2018, there have been 1,974 members of the US Senate, but only ten have been Black. Moreover, 18.3% of the US population is Hispanic, and yet only 4% of company executives are Hispanic. Here are 10 steps every business can take now to improve diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
Microsoft to Pepsico: Employees Praise Company Leadership Teams
July 22, 2020, USA Today
The top bosses had a few traits in common. They practiced transparency, empathy and open-mindedness, Comparably found. Employees also gave the best workplace leaders high marks for being “visionary” and “mission-driven.”
VA Passes First-In-The-Nation COVID-19 Standard: What It Means For You
July 21, 2020, National Law Review
Virginia became the first state in the country to pass a workplace safety standard specific to COVID-19. It includes hazard assessment, communication and training requirements, depending on the types of tasks employees perform at work.
Spreading A New Mindset Of Leadership
July 22, 2020, Forbes
Real leadership means creating the future, but who has the time? Senior management has to manage the business for profit, yet decision-making for day-to-day stability can stifle new ideas and development.

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

In the News: July 20, 2020

Walmart, Target, CVS To Require Masks In Stores
July 16, 2020, Associated Press
Target, Walmart and CVS have joined a list of the nation’s largest retailers that will require customers to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 spike.
Why Focusing On Your Returns Process Is Essential
July 15, 2020, Total Retail
How a retailer conducts their returns process has had an impact on customer loyalty and compliance with safety guidelines. Retailers may want to consider a revamp of their returns processes due to the COVID-19 generated surge in online sales.
With Retail Reopening, Demand For Contactless Tech Is Rising
July 14, 2020, Glossy
As retailers across the country reopen, many are grappling with a tough question: how to provide a quality experience with minimum physical contact between customers and products.
Irish Parents Warned Over Dangerous Children’s Toys Sold Online
July 15, 2020, Offaly Express
An Irish MEP has raised the issue of unsafe toys for sale online at the European Commission and revealed that in 2019, a record number of dangerous products were flagged by the European Commission’s Rapid Alert System.
MIT: Empty Middle Seats Could Cut Coronavirus Risk Almost In Half
July 11, 2020, Forbes
A research paper from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimates that blocking out the middle seat on airplanes could cause the likelihood of passengers being infected with coronavirus to drop by nearly half, just as some airlines are starting to book flights to capacity again.
Safety rules: Consumer Reports’ Guide To Fire Pits
July 16, 2020, Consumer Reports
Here’s how to play it safe while you’re working on your s’mores game. Plus: Tips for cooking the whole meal over the embers.
Comments Sought On Review Of The EU General Product Safety Directive
July 14,2020, Mondaq.com
The European Commission is currently seeking public comment as part of its review of the EU General Product Safety Directive. The GPSD sets out a broad regulatory framework for the placement of non-food consumer products on the EU market.
Post-COVID Era Of Product Safety: Recall Risks During And After A Pandemic
July 15, 2020, MedTechIntelligence
As we work to balance the desire to return to “business as usual” amid recent surges in COVID-19 cases, some of the biggest challenges in product safety and regulatory enforcement lie ahead.
17 Sacrifices The Best Leaders Willingly Make For Their Team
July 10, 2020, Inc.
Part of being a leader is picking the right priorities. Good leaders have a knack for knowing what to take on. Great leaders also know what to give up. True leaders make sacrifices and forego things employees don’t, shouldn’t, or wouldn’t.
Answer These 5 Big Questions Before Buying That Playground Set
July 15, 2020, Omaha World Herald
Many parents are improvising by purchasing home pools or playgrounds to build in their own backyard. While purchasing your own playground set may seem like a good idea, you should do a little research first

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

In the News; July 13, 2020

Poll Shows Trump’s Coronavirus Approval At All-time Low
July 10, 2020, Politico
Support for President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has hit an all-time low, according to a new survey released by ABC and IPSOS, with a similarly substantial majority of Americans also disapproving of his response to widespread racial unrest.
Tips From the CPSC Fire Safety Information Center
July 8, 2020, CPSC Website
More than 2200 people die each year in home fires. Many of these deaths are in homes with no smoke alarms are with alarms that don’t work. Here are some safety tips from the CPSC.
He Was Finally Ready to Ask for Help. Then The Pandemic Hit.
July 9, 2020, Washington Post
Finally, living in the hyper-medical awareness that the pandemic plagued world now knows, he knew it was time to ask. Elliot Kaye isn’t good at asking for help. His entire career has been about helping others.
What To Do If Your Baby’s Crib Has Been Recalled
July 7, 2020, Baby Gaga
A crib is recalled when it doesn’t meet the CPSC federal standards. A crib should be free of any hazardous issues, especially since baby will spend many hours sleeping on it. Here’s what the CPSC says you need to do if your crib has been recalled.
Lacoste And Adidas Pledge To Cut Forced Uighur Labor
July 7, 2020, Glossy
As a growing body of research connects China’s forced detention of Uighurs to the supply chain of the world’s largest fashion companies, a new campaign to pressure brands to end ties with factories connected to forced labor is gaining momentum.
5 Tips For Communicating With Employees During A Crisis
July 9, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Leaders know that communication during a crisis is critical. And, that conveying a compelling message of hope can foster resilience in facing the challenges that lie ahead.
Protecting European Consumers: Follow-up Action On Dangerous Product Alerts Increased Significantly In 2019
July 8, 2020, EUReporter
This work includes the publication of the latest report on the ‘Rapid Alert System’ which shows that the number of actions taken by authorities following an alert of a dangerous product, is growing year on year. In 2019, toys were the most notified product category, followed by motor vehicles, and electrical appliances and equipment.
Taking People With You: How Effective Leaders Navigate Difficult Conversations
July 8, 2020, Columbia Missourian
Great leadership is never more important than during a crisis. During Covid-19, many parts of our world have been upended. Along with the need to communicate early, often and effectively, many leaders must have difficult conversations, such as whether to issue an apology, talk layoffs, closings or job losses.
Australia/New Zealand Update Safety Standards For Projectile Toys
June 12, 2020, ACCC
An updated mandatory safety standard for projectile toys has been issued today, designed to protect children from serious eye injuries or choking from toys like bow and arrow sets and toy guns.
Florida Family Charged With Marketing Coronavirus Cure Made Of Textile Bleach
July 7, 2020, Forbes
A Florida family faces federal fraud charges after prosecutors say they sold tens of thousands of bottles of “Miracle Mineral Solution,” marketed as a cure for Covid-19, that is actually a toxic bleach the FDA says has led to hospitalizations and deaths.

 

 

 

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