In the News: October 14, 2019

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About 1 Million Dressers Are Recalled After Failing Government Safety Tests
October 10, 2019, Consumer Reports
Two companies recalled dresser models last week after the products failed stability testing conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This marks the third and fourth dresser recalls in the past five months. Ridgewood Industries (also known as Ameriwood Home) recalled about 1 million Belmont four-drawer dressers sold by Kmart and Sears for about $40. The second company, E&E, recalled about 1,800 Ink+Ivy Renu three-drawer dressers, sold online at Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and elsewhere. for about $350.

New lawsuits filed against Polaris in connection to ATV fires
October 9, 2019, Star Tribune
More lawsuits claiming Polaris ATVs suddenly caught fire, resulting in injuries, have been filed in Hennepin County District Court. The new cases involve fires that occurred this year, including one that resulted in a passenger’s death. One also involved a replacement vehicle issued to an Arizona man after his original Polaris 2015 off-road RZR vehicle caught fire. Medina-based Polaris — a $6.1 billion maker of off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and motorcycles — said it will not comment on individual cases but has denied wrongdoing in court papers.

Amazon Prime Air VP Touts Environmental, Safety Benefits Of Drone Delivery
October 3, 2019, Benzinga
Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN 0.68% Prime Air vice president Gur Kimchi held an audience of clean technology and environmental policy experts spellbound as he laid out the company’s futuristic vision of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) darting around the sky delivering packages to consumers in 30 minutes or less.

Fossil fuel industry sees the future of their product in hard-to-recycle plastic
October 10, 2019, Phys.Org
Plastic pollution and the climate crisis are two inseparable parts of the same problem, though they aren’t treated as such. Many countries have implemented plastic bag charges and plastic straw bans while action to phase out fossil fuels lags far behind, due in part to the inertia of the huge oil and gas companies that dominate the sector.

Preliminary test results show PFAS chemicals in fish from Farmington River
October 4, 4019, NBC
Preliminary testing results detected elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in fish from the Farmington River after firefighting foam spilled into the river from Bradley International Airport in June. PFAS is a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that are widely used in consumer products, including products ranging from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing to carpets to food packaging materials. According to DEEP and the state Department of Public Health, PFAS have been linked to health risks ranging from developmental effects in fetuses and infants to certain forms of cancer.

Singapore supplier fined S$50,000 for affixing safety marks on unregistered charging adapters
October 9, 2019, MalayMail
Gadget supplier iPassion Group has been fined S$50,000 (RM151,712) for putting “Safety” stickers on unregistered charging adapters used for personal mobility devices (PMDs) and selling them, trade agency Enterprise Singapore said in a media statement yesterday.More than 90 per cent of the adapters have since been recalled and more than 900 pieces were seized as part of investigations.

China: Websites failing to protect consumers from toxic plastic toys
October 9, 2019, China Dialogue
A squishy toy, a squawking chicken and some fluorescent slime. Stress-relieving plastic toys like these sell well on China’s e-commerce sites, usually for less than 20 yuan (US$2.80) each. No matter how they are handled, they always return to their original shape because they contain “plasticisers” that make them more flexible and less brittle. But plasticisers can also be toxic. In particular, phthalates are one class of chemical used as a plasticiser that increase the risk of asthma and allergies and can interfere with hormone production, causing issues such as low sperm count or early puberty.

New York City files federal lawsuit accusing 22 online sellers of targeting young with flavored e-cigarettes
October 9, 2019, WTVR
New York City has filed a federal lawsuit against 22 online sellers of flavored e-cigarettes.
The suit accuses the 22 of illegally selling to minors, targeting young people via social media, and luring them with flavors such as “Lemon Twist,” “Freddy’s Pebbles” and “Whipped Salted Caramel.”

Professional Certification: Details released for 2020 product safety professional designation program
October 15, 2019, Society of Product Safety Professionals
Details for the consumer product safety field new individual certification designation have been released by the organizations that have developed the program. The Society of Product Safety Professionals (SPSP) is a non-profit professional development organization that is the conferring body for those who successfully complete the program. SPSP affiliate, the Consumer Product Safety Certification Services (CPSCS), is an  independent certification oversight organization that operates to assure the integrity of the certification program and related preparatory activities. The Emerson Leadership Institute at Saint Louis University’s Richard Chaifetz School of Business was selected as the organization to develop the educational program designed by SPSP and CPSCS. Registration to apply for the program will open in October.

Consumer Product Update: Health Canada warns Canadians of health and safety risks of certain containers of pourable alcohol-based fuels and certain firepots that use pourable fuels
October 9, 2019, Oil and Gas 360
Health Canada is informing consumers of the serious fire and burn risks associated with flame jetting occurrences that may result from the use of certain containers of pourable alcohol-based fuels and certain firepots that use those fuels. These products should not be used in the absence of important safety features.

“Toxic Mix”: New quad bike rules overlook age restrictions
October 10, 2019, Sidney Morning Herald
Quad bikes sold in Australia will have to be fitted with roll bars and safety stickers within two years, under new safety standards announced by the federal government. But advocates say there’s still a long way to go as children continue to ride the deadly bikes. The changes come after a long-fought campaign by a coalition of rural voices, including the National Farmers Federation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Country Women’s Association, to mandate safety standards for quad bikes, which are a major cause of injury and death on farms.

PFAS Forever chemicals are in your popcorn and your blood
October 10, 2019, Wired
Next time you pick up a pizza from your favorite pizzeria and toss the box in your front seat, think about why the grease doesn’t saturate through the cardboard onto your upholstery. Or when you hear popcorn bursting in a bag in your microwave, consider why the oil doesn’t ooze out and the paper doesn’t burst into flames, even when some kernels turn black. The answer is likely to be PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of about 4,700 chemicals that make carpets and upholstery stain-resistant and help firefighters douse burning oil and gas. Some PFAS versions keep your burger from sticking to its fast-food wrapper and your salad from turning its fiber-based bowl into a soggy mess.

 

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

In the News: October 8, 2019

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Robert Adler becomes Acting Chairman of Consumer Product Safety Commission
October 1, 2019, cpsc.gov
Effective October 1, 2019, Robert (Bob) Adler became the Acting Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Adler replaces Buerkle who earlier this year announced that she would step down as CPSC’s Acting Chair on September 30.

Baby death in Chicco inclined sleeper leads to lawsuit
September 30, 2019, ABC-TV
Lakin Harmon, is suing Chicco U.S.A. claiming her 3-month-old baby died in what she calls a defective product that is still on store shelves. She talked exclusively to Action News in hopes that sharing her story will prompt a recall of the product and motivate legislators to fix what she calls a backward system.

CDC intensifies warnings about vaping illness as cases top 1,000
October 3, 2019,  NPR
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intensified its warnings about the risks of vaping, as the number of patients with vaping-related illness continues to climb. The case count has reached 1,080, the agency announced. There have been 18 deaths in 15 states, and more deaths are being investigated. All patients reported a history of vaping, and the majority reported using THC-containing products.

Are kids really eating vape pods?
October 3, 2019, Rolling Stone
In the midst of the investigation into the vaping epidemic, which has resulted in the hospitalization of more than 800 people and 12 confirmed deaths nationwide, there’s been a rush to point fingers at the potential culprit behind the epidemic, as well as generate concern about issues that may be tangentially related to vaping. The latest is a report which claims there’s been an increase in reports of very young children accidentally ingesting e-cigarette cartridges or liquid nicotine bottles.

Rulemaking on the way? FTC is seeking input by October 11 on its made in USA claims policy
October, 2019, Retail Consumer Products Law
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is soliciting comments on its 1997 Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims and its ongoing enforcement of that policy. On September 26, 2019, the FTC held a workshop with key stakeholders to discuss how consumers perceive “Made in USA” claims, how advertisers and marketers comply with the standard, and whether the FTC’s current enforcement strategy is effective.

Boeing 737 Max Safety System Was Vetoed, Engineer Says
October 3, 2019, The New York Times
A senior Boeing engineer filed an internal ethics complaint this year saying that during the development of the 737 Max jet the company had rejected a safety system to minimize costs, equipment that he felt could have reduced risks that contributed to two fatal crashes.

Statement of Commissioner Elliot F. Kaye on the vote on the final rule amending the fireworks regulations.
October 1, 2019, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Kaye explains his vote against a fireworks proposal: “If this vote passed, it would have limited each Commissioner’s ability to vote on the resulting Federal Register notice and prevented the Commission from even considering any substantive changes to the final rule prior to it being published.”

Mayo Clinic Report: Suggests that vaping injuries resemble chemical burns
October 4, 2019, The National Law Review (Stark & Stark)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that over 1,000 people became ill from vaping e-cigarettes, including 18 deaths. Now, research by the Mayo Clinic of Arizona suggests the lung damage may be the result of chemical burns. The research team tested lung biopsy samples from 17 patients, including two who have since died from the condition. All 17 biopsies suggested that the lung injuries were most likely caused by “direct toxicity or tissue damage from noxious chemical fumes.”

DieselGate continues to haunt Volkswagen as class action suit is filed
October 1, 2019, Digital Trends
A case has been brought by the Federation of German Consumer Organizations against Volkswagen in which 470,000 owners of the 2.0-liter TDI EA189 engine are seeking compensation due to the company’s diesel emissions scandal. The scandal was uncovered in 2015 via a tip from European researchers to the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.

 

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

In the News: October 1, 2019

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Google’s YouTube will pay $170 million to settle claims it violated child privacy laws
September 4, 2019, CNBC
YouTube will pay $170 million to settle allegations by the Federal Trade Commission and the New York attorney general that it earned millions by illegally collecting personal information from children without their parents’ consent. The settlement was passed in a 3-2 vote by the commissioners along party lines. The two Democrats voted against it, saying it did not go far enough to punish YouTube.

Olathe School District will sue e-cigarette maker Juul
September 27, 2019, KMBC
The Olathe Public School District has taken action to sue e-cigarette maker JUUL, claiming the vaping epidemic and JUUL Labs has created a threat to students’ health. The school board authorized school attorneys to sue JUUL. The district says the lawsuit will not require the school district to allocate money to pay for the litigation. A law firm will underwrite the litigation costs and 1/3 of any award would go to the firm.

Boeing revamps safety oversight after review of 737 Max crashes
September 25, 2019, Seattle Times
Boeing aims to sharpen its focus on safety after the 737 Max’s grounding ends, forming a new oversight panel and recommending changes to the planemaker’s structure and design practices after two crashes that killed 346 people. The board’s new Aerospace Safety Committee will supervise the development and manufacturing of Boeing aircraft, the company said, led by Retired Admiral Edmund Giambastiani, a former vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Mattel says its new line of gender neutral dolls is “free of labels”
September 25, 2019, CBS-Moneywatch
Mattel may be best known for Barbie — a doll that epitomizes femininity for many people — but now it’s rolling out a new line of gender-neutral dolls. The $30 toys are aimed at children who “don’t want their toys dictated by gender norms,” the company said.

SF to allow 10,000 e-scooters citywide, raising fears of ‘scooter-geddon part two’
September 25, 2019, San Francisco Examiner
Four e-scooter companies just won a coveted permit to rent electric kick scooters in San Francisco. Jump, Lime, Scoot and Spin will all become a permanent presence on The City’s streets. And those e-scooter companies will be able to run in more neighborhoods than they were previously allowed to, spreading to San Francisco’s West Side.

States’ Survey: PFAS consumer product regulations
September 24, 2019, JD Supra
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products across a broad spectrum of industries are being impacted by regulations regarding the presence of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (“PFAS”) in their products. This area of law is rapidly developing as states create new laws, and the penalties for non-compliance can be significant. Here is an overview of enacted and proposed state laws and regulations.

Massachusetts senator votes to ban certain toxic flame retardants
September 25, 2019, Arlington, MA Wicked Local
Sen. Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, joined her colleagues in voting to ban certain toxic chemical flame retardants from children’s products, including toys and nap mats, as well as in upholstered furniture, window dressings, carpeting, and bedding made or sold in the state. The bill, S.2338, would establish an initial list of eleven chemical flame retardants that would be banned.

FTC on influencers and consumer reviews from the NAD conference
September 27, 2019, JD Supra
Mamie Kresses, a senior attorney in the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Advertising Practices division at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), offered her views on influencers and consumer reviews, two topics “near and dear to our hearts.” Here are some key takeaways on the FTC’s approach to the topics.

US Fireworks industry expresses disappointment in CPSC “failure to improve consumer safety”
September 24, 2019, PRNewswire
“The American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) and the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), together representing more than 95 percent of the American fireworks industry join to express disappointment in today’s 3-1 vote by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in failing to update its mandatory consumer fireworks safety standards to enhance the safety of American families.”

Charges for VW executives mark latest bad day for German carmaker
September 25, 2019, The Irish Times
Volkswagen was supposed to turn the corner this year from the shadow of a costly diesel emissions scandal, with a new emphasis on electric vehicles, a new logo and a new commitment to ethical behaviour. But German prosecutors charged the carmaker’s two highest-ranking executives with stock market manipulation for failing to inform shareholders of an investigation in the US that led to its conviction for emissions cheating.

FTC identifies concerns over plaintiff’s lawyer’s advertisements concerning risks associated with pharmaceutical drugs
September 26, 2019, The National Law Review
On September 24, 2019, the FTC announced that it had sent letters to seven legal practitioners and lead generators  that expressed concerns that some television advertisements that solicit clients for personal injury lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies may be deceptive or unfair under the FTC Act.  The FTC did not identify who received the letters or which specific ads might be at issue.

 

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

In the News: September 23, 2019

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Walmart to end sales of e-cigarettes, as vaping concerns mount
September 20, 2019, The New York Times
Walmart said on Friday that it would stop selling e-cigarettes at its stores in the United States, dealing a new blow to the vaping industry as concerns mount over the health risks of the products and their soaring popularity among teenagers. “Given the growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity and uncertainty regarding e-cigarettes, we plan to discontinue the sale of electronic nicotine delivery products,” the retailer said in a statement on Friday.

U.S. House forces tip-over prevention standards with new bill
September 19, 2019, Woodworking Network
The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass a bill that would force the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) to set up standards that prevent furniture tip-overs. “Every hour, of every day, approximately 3 children are getting injured – over 25,400 per year. Between 2000 and 2011, these tip-overs have resulted in at least 363 fatalities, with most of the innocent victims being less than 8 years old,” said Illinois representative Jan Schakowsky, who introduced the bill. “I’m proud that the House has passed the STURDY Act today, so that we can protect children from these preventable accidents and spare their families these painful situations, resulting simply from a piece of furniture.” The bill was praised by consumer groups.

Vaping Illnesses Increase to 530 Probable Cases, C.D.C. Says
September 19, 2019, New York Times
The number of vaping-related lung illnesses has risen to 530 probable cases, according to an update on Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a Missouri man became the eighth to die from the mysterious ailments. During a news briefing, Dr. Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the C.D.C., said officials expect more deaths because some people are suffering from severe lung illnesses.

Industry groups urge Congress to check Trump’s power to tariff
September, 19, 2019, Advertising Specialty Institute
About two dozen industry lobbying groups led by the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) are calling on the United States Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s power to unilaterally impose import tariffs. The tariffs – and broader U.S./China trade war of which they’re an outgrowth – have had significant impacts on the domestic promotional products industry.

Google offshoot joins with Walgreens and FedEx to launch drone deliveries within a month
September 19, 2019, Los Angeles Times
One of the nation’s largest drugstore chains and a shipping service giant are joining forces with Alphabet Inc.’s Wing to begin a first-of-its-kind drone delivery service in October.Walgreens, FedEx Corp. and Wing, an offshoot of Google that was the first U.S. drone operator to receive partial certification as an airline, will begin the exploratory deliveries in the small town of Christiansburg, Va., the companies said in an announcement.

Case Study: How hoverboard makers neglected safety
September 19, 2019, EE Times
Compared to the recent catastrophic crashes of Boeing 737 Max airliners, the consumer hoverboards that “literally” caught fire in 2015 seem like small potatoes. The scale of damage caused by system failures in either case is vastly different. And yet, both times, the elements under scrutiny are safety design principles and the verification process that responsible parties were supposed to follow.

‘Defective’ Lime scooter left Indianapolis rider with traumatic brain injury, lawsuit says
September 20, 2019, Indianapolis Star
An Indianapolis woman who says she suffered life-threatening injuries this summer while riding a Lime scooter is suing the company for negligence, according to a federal lawsuit that describes the electric devices as potentially dangerous. Alleged flaws in at least one of Lime’s scooters posed dangers that Paula Speer wasn’t aware of when she used the device, causing her severe physical harm, the complaint filed Thursday said. The amount of damages being sought was not disclosed, but Speer’s attorney, Eric Pavlack, told IndyStar that his client seeks compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Opinion: Chinese investments in Africa: Four anti-corruption trends to watch
September 19, 2019, Wharton School of Business
A recent bribery scandal involving Chinese business people is different from other cases involving corrupt practices, says this opinion writer. This case represents an important trend. It relates to U.S. authorities’ enforcement of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). While historically FCPA enforcement cases involving China have focused on multinational companies based in China, this one is different. It is an example of FCPA enforcement actions involving Chinese companies doing business outside China and around the world. U.S. FCPA enforcement around the world is nothing new, but this trend represents increased and deliberate focus by U.S. authorities.

Safety is paramount
September 19, 2019, pv magazine
The technological advances that Li-ion batteries have gone through in the past decade are monumental. Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have become the leading technologies due to improved energy density and lower cobalt requirements. While new battery technologies are crucial in enabling new end-market applications, concerns from the automotive and power industries over their safety have grown. Over the past five months, IHS Markit has noted more than six EV battery fires, mainly in China and the United States, with various technical failures identified.

The types of plastics families should avoid
September 18, 2019, The New York Times
In a 2019 study, for instance, researchers screened 34 common plastic products — including plastic wraps, bags, food containers, drink bottles and place mats — and found that 74 percent of them tested positive for potentially toxic chemicals. While this study didn’t investigate whether the plastics were harmful to humans, it did indicate the need for more research. Together, the 34 products were found to contain 1,411 different chemical features, and the researchers were only able to match 18 percent of them with known chemicals. In other words, we hardly know what’s in many plastics, let alone how they might affect human health.

Wrap up of federal and state chemical regulations
September 18, 2019, JDSupra
A summary of chemical regulations news items and announcements from various regulatory authorities including the Environment Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the European Commission.

 

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

In the News: September 16, 2019

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CPSC: Commissioner Bob Adler is selected as new Vice Chair, making him Acting Chair
September 15, 2019, Mintz, Levin
On September 13, it was confirmed that Commissioner Bob Adler was elected Vice-Chairman of the CPSC. Because there is no permanent CPSC Chairman at this time, Commissioner Adler will become the Acting Chairman of the agency until a permanent Chairman is confirmed. Commissioner Adler—a Democratic Commissioner—has served on the Commission since 2009. Commissioner Adler was chosen by majority vote of his fellow Commissioners. The election of a Democratic Acting Chairman is a surprising choice for a Republican majority Commission.

Trump delays increase in tariffs on Chinese goods by two weeks ‘as a gesture of good will’
September 11, 2019, The Washington Post
President Trump said on Twitter that he would delay by two weeks the next increase in tariffs on Chinese goods as a “gesture of good will” to advance trade talks that have made little progress for months. The president acted several hours after a conciliatory Chinese move to grant 16 U.S. products a one-year exemption from Beijing’s retaliatory tariffs.

Interior Secretary Bernhardt orders e-bike access on federally-owned land
September 2, 2019, Digital Trends
Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt signed an order that allows ebike access on federal land. Effective immediately, ebike riders can travel anywhere conventional bicycles are allowed on federally managed public lands. The purpose of the order is “to increase recreational opportunities for all Americans, especially those with physical limitations, and to encourage the enjoyment of lands and waters managed by the Department of the Interior.”

Here’s what to watch out for if you have an infant walker
September 11, 2019, WTMJ-TV Milwaukee
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recognizes September as National Baby Safety Awareness month, making now a good time for parents to take stock of toys or products they have in the home that might be unsafe. Researchers say for one, infant walkers are still sending two-thousand babies a year to the emergency department, despite federal safety standards and years of warnings. It’s exciting for parents to watch their babies up on their feet, but infant walkers with wheels are toys that emergency room doctors and pediatricians have come to hate.

Scooter companies crack down on underage riders after 9 year old Omaha boy is injured
September 11, 2019, Omaha World Herald
Scooter companies serving Omaha scrambled Wednesday to make it harder for people under age 18 to rent an electric scooter. Spin and Lime agreed to require people renting scooters to verify their age using a driver’s license, as they do in some other cities.The changes, which will be in place for both companies by Thursday, came after a 9-year-old boy was seriously injured this week on a Spin scooter on Florence Boulevard.

Amazon allows some toys to go on sale before asking for proof of safety compliance
September 11, 2019, CNBC
Amazon says toy sellers have to be safety compliant if they want to sell on its marketplace. But some sellers are not asked to submit safety documents until weeks after they start selling, leaving Amazon’s marketplace open to potentially unsafe products, CNBC has learned. Amazon reached out to a group of new toy sellers in recent weeks, asking them to submit the “required safety documentation” for toys that were already available for sale, according to an email seen by CNBC.

ASTM highlights women’s role in standard making
September 10, 2019, Materials Today
ASTM International has launched a new video highlighting the growing role of women in developing technical standards. The video has been developed by the organization’s president, Katharine Morgan. ASTM says that it has also named six new board members for 2020, five of whom are women. The nominees include:
Francine Bovard, a senior technical specialist with Arconic, a company which engineers and manufactures lightweight metals;
Bonnie McWade-Furtado, an associate research and development scientist at Cabot Corp, a specialty chemical and performance materials company;
Carol Pollack-Nelson, PhD, owner of Independent Safety Consulting LLC, which specializes in consumer product safety.

A sixth person died from vaping-related lung disease. Here’s what you need to know
September 12, 2019, CNN
A sixth person in the United States has died from lung disease related to vaping, Kansas health officials said Tuesday. The woman was older than 50 and had a history of health problems. She became seriously ill shortly after she started using e-cigarettes and her symptoms progressed rapidly. It’s not clear what type of vaping products she used, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said. The death marks the first in the state, but raises even more concern about the safety and regulation of e-cigarettes.

Oregon agency supports flavored e-cigarette ban, businesses prepare
September 13, 2019, KOBI5.com
The Trump administration’s proposed federal ban on flavored e-cigarettes has received the support of Oregon’s state health agency. The Oregon Health Authority weighed in on the health concerns surrounding vaping and e-cigarettes and announced on Thursday it supports the ban. Some retail businesses in the Rogue Valley focused on selling flavored e-cigarettes are now preparing for the worst. “90 percent of our products are all flavored products,” said Derek Van Horn, owner of Stone Cold Vapors in Medford.

Letter: Today’s marine safety steps don’t address battery fires
September 11, 2019, The Mercury News
Re: “How could a fire incinerate a 75-foot dive boat so fast?” (Eastbaytimes.com, Sept. 3):
The Conception fire may be due to a collision between outdated safety standards and new technology. I have dived aboard both the Conception and Vision. They had fire extinguishers, fire hoses and engine-room fire suppression. Cooking was electric; the galley was thought low risk for fire. Lithium ion batteries and chargers have made the galley high risk.

 

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

In the News: September 9, 2019

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Google, YouTube To Pay $170 Million Penalty Over Collecting Kids’ Personal Info
September 4, 2019, Capitol Radio NPR
Google and its YouTube subsidiary will pay $170 million to settle allegations that YouTube collected personal information from children without their parents’ consent, the Federal Trade Commission. The companies allegedly collected information of children viewing videos on YouTube by tracking users of channels that are directed at kids. YouTube allegedly failed to notify parents or get their consent, violating laws that protect children’s privacy, according to a complaint filed against the companies by the FTC and the New York attorney general.

An off-road thrill that can end in flames
September 6, 2019, The New York Times
For almost two years, James Bingham’s off-road vehicle had provided endless fun on camping and hunting trips in Idaho. The vehicle, a four-seat Polaris RZR, could zip across the sand hills at up to 80 miles an hour. But there was another side to the RZR history. The manufacturer’s safety record indicates more than an occasional problem. From 2013 to 2018, Polaris Industries issued RZR recalls 10 times for fire hazards, far more than for any competing product. There have been more than 180 RZR fires, often leaving little more than scorched earth and a skeletal metal frame. Four people have been killed and at least 30 others have been burned, according to a tally from recalls, lawsuits and reports to federal regulators.

Popular YouTube Toy Review Channel Accused of Blurring Lines for Ads
September 4, 2019, The New York Times
Can young viewers tell the difference between advertisements and product reviews on the popular YouTube channel Ryan ToysReview? The watchdog group Truth in Advertising says no. On Wednesday it filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, accusing the channel’s administrators of deceiving children through “sponsored videos that often have the look and feel of organic content.”

Consumer Alert: Recalled kids products not listed on companies websites
September 5, 2019, Denver Channel.com
The child safety watchdog group Kids In Danger (KID) found dozens of recalls involving children’s products were not listed on the companies’ websites. The report, released Thursday, calls into question the effectiveness of recalls for keeping unsafe products off the market. KID says by failing to publicize recalls on their websites, companies are limiting consumers’ ability to resolve the issue and get a refund on the product.

How to cure your kid’s addiction to technology
September 6, 2019, Haaretz.com
Nir Eyal’s 2014 book, “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products,” was a favorite among executives in the high-tech industry. It starred on The Wall Street Journal’s best-seller list and has become Amazon’s top-selling book in the industrial and product design category. Officials from Google, Facebook and Instagram have come to consult with the person who claims to know how to create addictive technology of the kind that consumers will never want to stop using. The new book addresses the other side of the equation – those same users – and offers tools for staying focused in a technological world that offers us endless distractions.

What parents need to know about infant walkers
September 6, 2019, WNDU
Researchers say infant walkers are still sending 2,000 babies a year to the emergency room, despite federal safety standards and years of warnings. It’s exciting for parents to watch their babies up on their feet, but infant walkers with wheels are toys that emergency room doctors and pediatricians have come to hate.

CDC confirms five vaping-related deaths– what we know about mysterious illness so far
September 7, 2019, Newsweek
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are cautioning Americans against the use of e-cigarettes after the fifth death from a mysterious illness connected to vaping was reported Friday. Three deaths in Indiana, Minnesota and California were verified by the CDC Friday—after the first and second vaping-related deaths in Oregon and Illinois at the end of August. Experts at the CDC went on to say that there are currently 450 reported cases of severe respiratory illnesses among vape users in 33 states across the U.S. Most were between the ages of 18 and 25.

Boris Johnson has lost control and more talks are pointless says EU
September 4, 2019, The Times
The EU fears that Boris Johnson has “lost control” and that any new negotiation on the Irish backstop is “pointless” because his government is powerless to push it through the House of Commons. European ambassadors will today hold confidential talks on Brexit and what steps the EU should take next after the prime minister’s heavy defeat and loss of his parliamentary majority yesterday.

Doctors working emergency rooms raise red flag on electric scooters
September 4, 2019, WOWT
The injury numbers are in, but they only begin to tell of the concerns local doctors have about electric-scooters. The City of Omaha is halfway through a six-month trial period with the scooters, and there are calls for some legislation. Nebraska Medicine told 6 News their emergency room is seeing about two scooter-related injuries each week, but it’s not so much the number that has them concerned, it’s more the nature of the injuries. “The most common injury a lot of centers are seeing are extremity injuries, fractures and then the second most common would be head injuries,” said Dr. Emily Cantrell, a trauma doctor at Nebraska Medicine.

CFC Underwriting Enhances Product Recall Coverages
September 4, 2019, Insurance Journal
CFC Underwriting, the London-based specialist managing general agent, announced it has upgraded its product recall suite of coverages. The new extensions include regulatory advisory coverage which addresses the emerging need for coverage in the recall market for outbreaks and public health warnings.

 

 

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

In the News: September 2, 2019

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New safety feature on portable generators could save lives, Consumer Reports tests show
August 28, 2019, Consumer Reports
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, some new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, and some also have engines that emit less CO in the first place. Recent CR test data show that these safety features are likely to save lives.

CPSC issues carbon monoxide warning to consumers in the path of Hurricane Dorian
August 28, 2019, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing an important warning about the lethal hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers in Hurricane Dorian’s path who may soon be relying on portable generators for temporary electrical power. Consumers in the path of the storm need to be especially careful during power outages and take the proper precautions to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning while using portable generators, which emit carbon monoxide as exhaust.

92% of apparel from China will be hit with tariffs  – here’s how retailers are coping
August 30, 2019, CNBC
While some Chinese apparel imports will have a delay until December 15 before tariffs are introduced, 91.6% of Chinese apparel imports will still be hit with a 15% tariff beginning Sept. 1, according to new data breakdowns from the American Apparel and Footwear Association. The group also said 68.4% of home textiles and 52.5% of footwear will also begin to see tariffs on Sept. 1. The remaining imports in these categories will be levied 15% on Dec. 15. “It has been, and will be, extremely difficult to move this amount of product due to capacity limitations in other countries, the need to build new relationships to ensure compliance with various product safety and labor regulations, and the fact that every industry is being asked to move at the same time,” AAFA executive vice president Stephen Lamar said in an email.

Grieving CT mother, Blumenthal, advocate for stronger furniture safety standards
August 29, 2019, New Haven Register
A grieving Stamford, CT mother spoke along side of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., advocating for a stronger, mandatory stability standard for furniture. Blumenthal has introduced the Stop Tip-Overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth, or Sturdy, Act, which would mandate safety standards for furniture manufacturers, instead of leaving the institution of such standards up to the company.He said there is a need to improve safety, noting a child is injured by a piece of furniture tipping over every 17 minutes in the United States.

Brexit Backstop: No longer sacrosanct for EU, insists Boris Johnson
August 28, 2019, The Times
Boris Johnson believes that the EU no longer sees the Irish backstop as “sacrosanct”, amid growing momentum for a potential sector-by-sector Brexit deal.However, any agreement with Brussels could lead to a showdown with hardline Brexiteers, No 10 made clear yesterday. A number of so-called “Spartans”, including David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, have said they want further changes to the withdrawal agreement beyond the removal of the backstop, an insurance policy to keep the Irish border open.

Opinion: How to get electric scooters right this time
August 30, 2019, Red and Black (University of Georgia)
When electric scooters descended on the University of Georgia and Athens last year, they were a public nuisance. After only a few days, UGA began impounding scooters on campus. By the end of the year, the Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission placed a temporary ban on the scooters. However, the fleet may soon take flight once more. On Aug. 23, the Athens Banner-Herald reported that the ACC Commission could soon release plans for a pilot project to allow rental scooters in Athens.

Statement of Commissioner Robert S. Adler and Commissioner Elliot F. Kaye Regarding Petition CP 18-2: Labeling Requirements Regarding Slip Resistance of Floor Coverings
August 6, 2019, cpsc.gov
On July 26, 2019, the Commission by a vote of 3-2 denied a second petition by the National Floor Safety Institute (NSFI) to require manufacturers of floor coverings and coatings to label their products’ slip resistance in accordance with an ANSI standard for floor coverings.[1]  We voted to grant the petition because we believe that slips and falls on floors remain a serious public health hazard, and there is sufficient information at this stage upon which to open a rulemaking proceeding under section 27(e) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).[2]

Blog: CDC studies scooter injuries and it’s not pretty
August 29, 2019, Atlanta Journal Constitution
Critics of electric scooters have complained they’re a menace to public safety since they began appearing on Atlanta streets more than a year ago. A string of recent fatal scooter accidents has fueled those complaints.
Comprehensive e-scooter accident and injury data are hard to come by, in part because they’re a new phenomenon.

UK: Four thousand incidents involving electric scooters have been reported to police in just three years
August 29, 2019, Herald Publicist
There have been greater than four,000 crimes reported associated to e-scooters within the final three years. Street security campaigners have urged the federal government to take motion after hundreds of crimes, together with street site visitors collisions, anti-social behaviour and felony harm have been reported throughout the UK. It comes after Emily Hartridge, 35, a YouTube star, grew to become the primary particular person in Britain to be killed whereas driving an e-scooter when she was hit by a lorry in London.

Green Chemistry 2018-2018: A review of the year that was and predictions for the remainder of 2019
August 29, 2019, National Law Review (Keller and Heckman)
Proposed green chemistry legislation has proliferated since our last green chemistry report. While enacted legislation remains relatively rare and continues to focus principally on children’s products, consumer product manufacturers, importers, and distributors should be aware of some significant changes and upcoming deadlines as of July 29, 2019

The Secret To Building Corporate Reputation Is Integrity
August 29, 2019, Huff Post
Harman’s CEO shares her company’s approach to integrity: Harman’s ability to foster and retain customers’ trust in our products has helped the company thrive and expand over the decades to include new technology like smart products and connected services. But products and services are just one piece of the reputation equation. A positive reputation is critical to the success of all companies — from other legacy brands to innovative startups looking to make their marks. So, how can board members and other leaders bolster the reputation of their businesses?

 

 

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

In the News: August 26, 2019

Posted on by adk

Amazon struggles to police safety of products sold by third parties on its site, WSJ investigation finds
August 23, 2019, Seattle Times
Thousands of items for sale on Amazon “have been declared unsafe by federal agencies, are deceptively labeled or are banned by federal regulators,” according to a Wall Street Journal investigation published Friday. The report, documenting potentially unsafe products ranging from medications to toys to motorcycle helmets that are sold on the e-commerce site by third-party sellers. The majority of the physical products sold on its massive website now come not from Amazon itself but from third-party sellers — ranging from giant consumer brands to individuals reselling merchandise out of their garages to anonymous Chinese manufacturers.

Don’t get swept away; CPSC Reminds consumers to be grounded in safety when using bounce houses
August 8, 2019, cpsc.gov
Warm temperatures mean more outdoor fun for children. From birthday parties to carnivals, bounce houses are likely to be a part of the fun.  It’s important to remember, however, injuries can happen. CPSC cautions consumers to take care when using inflatables, including bounce houses. “If a bounce house is not properly secured to the ground, a gust of wind can send it airborne with children inside and the result can be tragic,” says CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle. “If the tops of the trees are swaying, it may be too windy to let your child play inside of a bounce house,” she added.

The White House and schools have this in common: asbestos
August 23, 2019, The Hill
What do the White House and schools across the United States have in common? Shockingly, the answer is asbestos. Over the past few weeks, dozens of senior White House staff including Ivanka Trump, Kellyanne Conway, Stephen Miller, and Larry Kudlow had to move out of their offices so the hazardous cancer-causing mineral could be removed. The government says the work should be done by the end of the month

A baby product company’s tariff dilemma: ‘How does business move forward?’
August 18, 2019, CNBC
There was a bit of good tariff news this week for makers of baby products, as executives like Joe Shamie continue to wonder what’s ahead for the industry. President Donald Trump  included the group as part of the industries that will see tariffs delayed on Chinese imports. As president of Delta Children, these kinds of issues are paramount for Shamie, whose New York-based Delta Children company counts on China for supplies and manufacturing for a number of items, including bedding and mattress springs for cribs.

Expect to see a lot more coming from Ikea in the smart home segment
August 19, 2019, Digital Trends
Ikea has been dabbling in smart home tech in recent years, but a new announcement from the company reveals it’s about to dive even deeper into the sector. The Swedish furniture giant said it’s creating a dedicated business unit geared toward smart home tech, which, according to the company, marks its biggest commitment to a single product line since it introduced Children’s Ikea more than 20 years ago.

Trump forces Ford, GM to walk a fine line on fuel economy
August 22, 2019, CNBC
In tweets, Trump turned up the heat on auto companies for not supporting his plans. He called auto executives “foolish,” said the founders of Ford Motor and General Motors are “rolling over” at the “weakness of current car company executives.” The attacks came after Ford, Honda Motor, BMW and Volkswagen reached a voluntary agreement last month with California on fuel economy standards. The deal included relaxed standards instead of a freeze to the Obama administration’s rules — something most major automakers have supported. Trump’s attacks shine light on an ongoing dilemma of automakers wanting to satisfy the administration as they try to do what’s best for business. The industry has already invested billions in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions of new vehicles.

Who’s in Charge Here? The CPSC and Individual Liability for Corporate Actions
August 23, 2019, National Law Review
In April, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) broke new ground by indicting two former officials of a company accused of failing to timely report a potential product safety hazard to the CPSC. Those indictments marked the first time the CPSC has sought to hold executives criminally liable based on an alleged reporting violation.

SPSP Technical Paper: Elderly slips and falls are a threat, but technology can help reduce risk
August, 2019, Society of Product Safety Professionals (Tim Cassidy and Andrea Delius)
Falling seems as though it becomes inevitable as age increases. Falling just once, doubles your chances of falling again. Every year, three million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries and over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury .Now,  new detection technology is improving with the aim of not only detecting but predicting fall likelihood thereby reducing risk in this area.

‘Brexit backstop is not just legal quibbling’-Macron warns Boris Johnson; EU won’t tear up withdrawal agreement
August 22, 2019, independent.ie
French President Emmanuel Macron has told Boris Johnson the EU will not tear up the Brexit deal negotiated by Theresa May. Mr Macron told the British Prime Minister in Paris there could not be a “reshuffling” of the Withdrawal Agreement – but he left open the possibility of making some changes to the deal.

Consumer IoT products: Governments opening the doors on cybersecurity regulation
August 23, 2019, Lexology
The European Commission has been working on a range of measures to strengthen cybersecurity of consumer IoT products, and has just launched a public consultation. This provides an important opportunity to make a contribution to the future direction of regulation in this area in the EU. At the same time, the UK is actively considering the future of regulation in this area, with its public consultation having recently been completed.

 

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

In the News: August 19, 2019

Posted on by adk

‘It’s Just a Nightmare.’ Despite tariff delay, toy makers are worried
August 15, 2019, New York Times
Toymakers breathed a little easier this week when President Trump announced plans to delay tariffs on many goods from China — but their relief may not last long. Yet toymakers are already looking ahead to next year’s holiday season, and fretting about the crippling uncertainty that the president’s on-again, off-again trade policy has created for them.

FAA bans MacBook Pro models from flights; Apple recalled them in June
August 14, 2019, USA Today
Heads up, travelers, the Federal Aviation Administration has banned certain MacBook Pro laptops in checked or carry-on bags; Apple recalled them in June. “The FAA is aware of the recalled batteries that are used in some Apple MacBook Pro laptops,” the Federal Aviation Administration told USA TODAY in a statement on Wednesday. “In early July, we alerted airlines about the recall, and we informed the public. We issued reminders to continue to follow instructions about recalls.” .”

Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle’s Letter to All 50 Governors to Change Building Codes for Residential Elevators
August 6, 2019, cpsc.gov
CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle wrote to all 50 state governors in the U.S. seeking “assistance in protecting consumers in your State from a serious hazard associated with residential elevators.  Specifically, some elevators installed in your jurisdiction may have excessive space between the elevator car door/gate (car door) and the hoist way or swing door (hoist way door).  In some installations, the space between the elevator car door and hoist way door is large enough to allow children to fit between the closed doors.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff is aware of a total of nine (9) incidents associated with this product, including five fatalities involving entrapments between car and hoist way doors of residential elevators and a sixth where a toddler was trapped beneath the elevator.”

E-scooter craze has European cities scrambling for new safety laws
August 14, 2019, Associated Press (Washington Post)
Ban them? Issue speeding tickets? Make users take a driving test? European cities are searching for solutions to the two-wheeled phenomenon that’s fast transforming cityscapes worldwide: Electric scooters. Fans call them a leap into the future, a thrilling, app-based way to zip from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, without generating planet-choking pollution.
Rubbish, say critics, noting growing numbers of injuries and even deaths involving e-scooters.

4 ways to guarantee an on-time launch for your new product
August 14, 2019, Forbes
For consumer goods and retail brands, few events are more important than the launch of a new product. When done right, a new product can attract new customers, incentivize existing users to make an additional purchase and even help your company attract valuable free press.
However, the sheer number of things that can go awry make launching a new product often seem intimidating—especially for relatively new businesses. In fact, the Harvard Business Review reports that only 25% of product launches are considered successful.

Child-resistant Packaging: FDA finalizes guidance 
August, 2019, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday finalized guidance on child-resistant packaging (CRP) statements that should be included in the labeling of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The seven-page final guidance comes two years after FDA released the draft version for comment. FDA says it considered the comments submitted to the public docket and has edited the guidance for clarity.
Under US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations, certain consumer products, including many prescription and OTC drugs, are subject to special packaging standards.

California defies White House plan to scrap ban on controversial pesticide
August 15, 2019, Phys.org
California will outlaw the use of a pesticide linked to developmental problems in humans after President Donald Trump’s administration scrapped plans for a nationwide ban, state health officials said Wednesday. The decision to ban chlorpyrifos in the agriculturally rich state follows “mounting evidence” of serious health effects for exposed children and other vulnerable people, two California health agencies said in a statement.

Furniture flame retardants may not stifle deadliest home fires
August 15, 2019, Reuters
Targeting the flammability of smoking materials like cigarettes, pipes and cigars, rather than fireproofing all furniture with hazardous chemicals, may be a more effective way of reducing the most deadly residential fires, a U.S. study concludes. Although fires that start on furniture account for only 2.2% of residential fires, they carry significantly higher odds than others for injury and death, researchers report in the American Journal of Public Health. And among these furniture fires, those ignited by smoking materials are 3.4 times more likely to be lethal than those caused by open flames like candles.

Restrictions could mean some consumers will miss important recalls
August 14, 2019, WRAL.com
A Consumer Reports study revealed surprising restrictions placed upon the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency responsible for protecting people from dangerous products. If the government determines deaths are linked to a potentially hazardous product, one would think that information should always be made public. But Section 6-B of the Consumer Product Safety Act says otherwise. “Section 6-B requires the CPSC, in most cases, to get permission from manufacturers before releasing their names or any information that could reveal their identities, even when products are linked with injuries or fatalities,” said Rachel Rabkin Peachman, an investigative reporter with Consumer Reports.

How should ethics factor into your brand identity
August 15, 2019, Forbes
There are a few different ways to make ethics a part of your core brand identity. No matter what, you’ll position your brand in a way that aligns it with a certain moral philosophy, socially responsible cause, or commitment to ethical practices. To be effective, this needs to be unique. It can’t be something like “non-discriminatory hiring practices” — this is an ethical choice we expect all businesses to follow.

 

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

In the News: August 13, 2019

Posted on by adk

After deadly wrecks, Atlanta bans electric scooters at night
August 9, 2019, Fox17
Atlanta is banning electric scooters in the nighttime hours during what’s been a deadly summer for riders. The ban comes as cities across the nation struggle to regulate the companies renting the devices and keep riders safe. In Atlanta, three riders have died since May in crashes that involved a public bus, an SUV and a car. Police in the Atlanta suburb of East Point say a fourth rider was killed there Tuesday in a collision involving his scooter and a truck.

California enacts nation leading youth football safety standards into law
August 7, 2019, Galt Herald Online
The future of youth football practices will be seeing less full-contact time on the field starting with the 2021 season. According to a press release by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove)’s office, Assembly Bill 1 was signed into law on July 31 by Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 1, also known as the California Youth Football Act, will enact safety standards for youth football, limiting full-contact practices to reduce brain injuries.

DC closes three playgrounds after tests show high lead levels
August 7, 2019, DCist
The D.C. government has closed three playgrounds after testing showed elevated levels of lead. The closures went into effect at Aiton Elementary School, Cardozo Education Campus, and Thomson Elementary School. It’s not entirely clear what caused the elevated lead levels, or when the three playgrounds will reopen. The closures are the first of their kind, because D.C. has never tested these kind of playground surfaces for lead before.

Recalled infant sleepers are still used in many daycare centers according to new report
August 9, 2019, Romper
Months after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced recalls on various infant sleepers over safety concerns, a report published this week found that daycare centers are still using recalled infant sleepers. According to researchers behind the report, confusing recall messaging and a lack of direct alerts may be to blame. In a survey of 376 child care facilities that watch children under the age of 1 year old, U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education (PIRG) and the nonprofit organization Kids in Danger found that one in 10 facilities were still using at least one recalled infant sleeper.

ASTM expected to update voluntary furniture stability standard
August 6, 2019, Furniture Lighting & Décor
ASTM International is expected to publish an update to the voluntary furniture stability standard this month incorporating two new warning labels and expanding the scope of the standard to cover clothing storage furniture 27 inches and taller. The previous standard covered furniture over 30 inches. The updates to ASTM F2057 will become effective immediately upon publication. To comply with the standard, all clothing storage furniture 27 inches and taller must pass two stability tests, carry a permanent warning label and be shipped with tip restraints and instructions for installing them.

The 7 best convertible baby cribs, selected by engineers and moms
August 6, 2019, Good Housekeeping
A convertible crib is a great option because it can transition with your child from infancy through toddler years and potentially into preschool and beyond, since it can convert from a crib into a toddler bed, a day bed, or a full-size bed. Convertible cribs are often full-size cribs that require bed conversion kits (often sold separately). There are numerous reliable brands on the market for baby cribs. Here are our top picks for great convertible cribs:

California’s Prop 65 Amendments One Year Later: Litigation Trends and What to Look Out For
August 7, 2019,  National Law Review (Schiff Hardin)
Over the past 10 years, the number of private Proposition 65 actions against businesses have nearly quadrupled from 604 in 2009 to 2,364 in 2018. Additional Prop 65 regulations on “safe harbor” warnings and online retailers took effect last August, clarifying the duties of online retailers regarding warnings, which may have caused a decrease in new Prop 65 actions against online retailers.

Putnam man continues safety crusade
August 9, 2019, Herald Citizen
He admits he may be “tilting at windmills,” much like Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha.” But Putnam County resident Stephen Maddox plans to continue pursuing efforts to get the county more involved in regulating problematic properties and in encouraging the town of Monterey to improve park safety.

‘We need to remove all scooters and start over:’ Briley calls for total ban on devices in Nashville, citing safety concerns
August 6, 2019, Tennessean
Nashville Mayor David Briley said stricter regulations on scooters are not enough — he wants to ban them outright. “I continue to believe we need to remove all scooters and start over,” Briley said in a letter sent to the Metro Council. Briley announced his intention not to sign an ordinance adopted by the council on July 16. That ordinance includes new regulations to reduce fleet sizes and implement several immediate changes to how electric scooters operate on Metro streets.

Why empathy is the most underrated weapon in the marketers arsenal today
August 8, 2019, Marketing News
There is always a temptation for digital businesses to commodify consumers, and advanced data-gathering tools encourage an understanding of individual people as ‘units’. But those who work in digital fields must resist this trend, and in marketing there is a very real business reason to do so.

 

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