Recalls Due to Laceration Hazards

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has established very strict standards regulating laceration hazards for products used by both adults and children. Laceration hazards account for a large number of product recalls, at a level similar to product recalls due to lead paint and products presenting choking hazards.

Consumer products recalled because of a laceration hazard represent a broad range of products, including baby strollers, crib wind chimes, children’s laundry hampers, food blenders, fruit and vegetable choppers, and even cleaning mops.

Given the high level of injury risk associated with laceration hazards, manufacturers, distributors and retailers of these products must accept a higher level of risk for having to conduct a product recall.

Companies involved with any product recalled because of laceration hazards will be required to present a recall plan for approval by the CPSC. Therefore, it is highly recommended that companies have a recall preparedness plan in place.  Some companies have an internal recall manager to create and execute the recall strategy, while others rely on a recall agency to mange recall logistics and recall compliance.

Consumers and health care providers are very quick to report injuries to the CPSC, and if that happens, the CPSC is increasingly inclined to order a product recall. Manufacturers especially need to have a recall blueprint, allowing them to respond quickly whenever consumer health and safety becomes a concern.