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Pet Doors are a Danger to Small Children

Billy Cunningham — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:16:23 GMT

This past week in Mobile a 2 year old girl crawled out through a pet door and nearly drowned in the family swimming pool. Her mother had left her in front of the family TV long enough to go check on laundry. When she returned, her daughter was not there and her 7 year old brother spotted her in the pool. The family pulled her out and called 9-1-1. CPR was performed at the home by the paramedics and she was taken to the hospital. On last report she was in critical condition at the hospital. The only way she could have gotten out to the pool was through a pet door was all the other doors were locked and the alarm system was on.

A website has been created by Carol Ranfone who lost a 2year old son, Matthew, by drowning. She created http://www.petaccessdangers.org/ to provide access for the public to be aware of the problem. Her tragic story was followed by Good Moring America ABC News report on May 12, 2009. It is too bad that the Mobile family did not see that report or know of the website.

More than a hundred children have died or been seriously injured in the last decade after squeezing through tiny pet doors and getting into swimming pools or other dangerous places, new research has found. "What we see is a picture that's emerging which shows that the pet door is a really serious hazard in a home that no one has really had on the radar screen," said Sean Kane, of Safety Research and Strategies. The pet door that the Rafones had contained no warning that young children could get through them. The news report also demonstrated the possibility of children getting through these rather small door. You can view it here. Click here to see the demonstration.

In most states the law requires that if there is a known hazard in the use of a product, the manufacturer is obligated to either ‘engineer’ out the hazard, guard against the hazard (like a guard over a pinch-point) and/or warn against the hazard.

The manufacturer of the door that Matthew went through also makes a pet with a remote device attached to a pet's collar unlocks the door as the pet approaches. The door then locks again after the pet exits. In its marketing materials, the company touts that the electronic lock "will prevent children from leaving the home." I also read reports where some manufacturers supply a plate that go over the opening to prevent the pets access. Those certainly should be employed to keep children from gaining access.

If you have pet door and small children around, please take all safety steps you can to make sure they do not get out through the door undetected.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Billy Cunningham

Burn Safely This Fall

Pete Mackey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:17:04 GMT

Fire is an alluring medium. Kids love it - so do adults. Watching kindling slowly take flame is like watching magic. The Fall means leaf and trash burning in back yards all across the country.

While everyone knows to watch kids around fire, there's a hidden danger that many folks are unaware of - chances are the gas can in your garage does not have a flame arrester installed in the spout. A flame arrester is a small ball or pane of wire mesh material that fits in the spout of the gas can. It lets the fuel flow out, but lowers the temperature below the flash point for the vapors in the can, which prevents explosions.. These arresters cost less than a dollar to install.

Still, you ask, why would anyone put themselves in that situation in the first place? Well, consider the following scenario and see if it rings any bells. You have been working around the yard all day. The weather is crisp and cool and dusk approaches. You had been burning leaves and tree limbs, but the fire went out an hour ago. Your son wants to start a fire and the idea of the warmth it will provide sounds good to you. So you decide to pour some gas on the pile, not realizing that there are still some smoldering embers ... That is the recipe for an explosion.

A few tips to remember:

- When you buy a gas can, buy one with an installed flame arrester.
- Never use gasoline as an accellerant. There are many safer alternatives.
- Make sure that your burn area is clear (overhead, as well) of flammable debris.
- Use an enclosed space (like a 55 gallon drum) instead of a pile. Cover the top of the space with a heavy mesh cover to keep sparks in.
- Don't burn on windy days.
- Keep the water hose handy.
- Never burn aerosol cans.
- If children have access to the burn area (and they probably will), make sure that they understand the danger present and then assume that they will not follow your instructions.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Mackey

Four-Wheelers Are Not Toys

Pete Mackey — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:51:53 GMT

Like many folks in the Mobile area, I went to the beach on Labor Day. On my way home, I saw two young boys coming the other way on a four wheeler in the grass next to the road. This road is a four lane, divided highway with a 50 MPH speed limit. The driver appeared to be no older than 12 or 13 and his passenger was considerably younger. Neither wore a helmet.

As a lawyer who represents claimants in injury cases, my first thought was all of the bad things that this scenario conjured up. As a parent whose children are grown, I wanted to turn around and drive them home. I could not get the thought of them out of my mind. When I got home, I went straight to Google.

Stories like this one popped up repeatedly. An entry on all terrain vehicles in Wikipedia provided some greusome statistics on overall use:

Statistics released by CPSC show that in 2005, there were an estimated 136,700 injuries associated with ATVs treated in US hospital emergency rooms. In 2004, the latest year for which estimates are available, 767 people died in ATV-associated incidents. According to statistics released by CPSC, the risk of injury in 2005 was 171.5 injuries per 10,000 four-wheel ATVs in use. The risk of death in 2004 was 1.1 deaths per 10,000 four-wheelers in use. Focus has shifted to machine size balanced with the usage of ATVs categorized by age ranges and engine displacements—in line with the consent decrees. ATVs are mandated to bear a label from the manufacturer stating that the use of machines greater than 90 cc by riders under the age of 12 is prohibited. This is a 'manufacturer/CPSC recommendation' and not necessarily state law.

The numbers regarding accidents involving children were even grimmer but the industry is more concerned with profits:

According to The New York Times on September 2, 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission met in March 2005 to discuss the dangers of ATVs. Data from 2004 showed 44,000 children under 16 injured while riding ATVs, 150 of them fatally. Says the Times, "National associations of pediatricians, consumer advocates and emergency room doctors were urging the commission to ban sales of adult-size ATVs for use by children under 16 because the machines were too big and fast for young drivers to control. But when it came time to consider such a step, a staff member whose name did not appear on the meeting agenda unexpectedly weighed in." That staff member was John Gibson Mullan, "the agency’s director of compliance and a former lawyer for the A.T.V. industry" - the Times bases the claim on a recording of the meeting. Mullan reportedly said that the existing system of warnings and voluntary compliance was working. The agency's hazard statistician, Robin Ingle, was not allowed to present a rebuttal. She told the Times in an interview, "He had hijacked the presentation. He was distorting the numbers in order to benefit industry and defeat the petition. It was almost like he still worked for them, not us." CPSC reports of ATV deaths and injuries show an increase in the raw numbers of deaths and injuries that is statistically significant. The rate of deaths and injuries, which takes into account the fact that the number of ATVs in use has risen over the last ten years, has been shown to have experienced no statistically significant change.

This is not acceptable. We need to do something. If you have a four-wheeler at the house, understand that it may be like a loaded gun around a child. Apread the word - these machines can be killers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Mackey

Potentially Dangerous Remington Rifles

Billy Cunningham — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:20:29 GMT

Remington Arms Company, Inc. has had knowledge of unintended discharge for the Model 700 and 710 rifles over the past 30 years. There have been numerous lawsuits against it over a defective design of the trigger mechanism in both the Model 700 and 710 rifles. Interestingly, searching the internet for information on the defect is difficult. I had to go to the third page in a search of “Remington trigger” before I discovered information. From that search I learned of the case involving the death of 9 year of Gus Barber in Montana when his mother pulled the safety off a Remington 700 without touching the trigger and the gun fired striking and killing her son. In addition to the lawsuits, I have learned there are thousands of consumer complaints about the firing mechanism. Despite these complaints, Remington refused to recall its rifles, install a new trigger mechanism or even warn its customers of the potential danger. This refusal was done in the face of its own Safety Subcommittee’s determination that about 20,000 rifles are susceptible to improper firing. Finally, in 2007, Remington replaced the fire control. However, there are still millions of these rifles in the hands of sportsmen and law enforcement agencies with the defective trigger mechanism.

A history of Remington’s knowledge is summarized as follows: In 1995, Remington acknowledged the need to “fix” the fire control and “eliminate” ‘Fire on Safety Release’ malfunction.” In 1997, when Remington started the design of the Model 710, documents reflect Remington’s desire not to include the same trigger mechanism as found in the Model 700. New designs were considered but implementing any new design was held in abeyance in May, 1998 until an economic analysis was approved. That never happened. During all this Remington did not provide warnings to customers.

There have been a number of verdicts against Remington upheld by appellate courts. The largest verdict I could find was in Texas where a jury rendered a verdict in Collins v. Remington after Glenn Collins lost his foot to a Model 700 accidental discharge. The jury found that the fire control was defective and awarded a $15 million in exemplary damages. The total verdict was in excess of $17 million. I have not found any appellate cases in Alabama or Mississippi. Also, a search of the electronic database of cases in Alabama did not reveal any cases involving these rifles.

These rifles are still out there. If you own one, be aware of this potential danger.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Billy Cunningham

Your Dryer - Is There A Fire Inside?

Pete Mackey — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:10:03 GMT

I ran into a friend in court a few weeks ago who looked distressed. As we spoke, the cause of that distress spilled out - a fire had just about destroyed a weekend getaway he owns nearby. The cause - his dryer vent hose became obstructed with lint and overheated. Only an alert neighbor saved a total loss.

What really took me back was what his insurance agent told him when he reported the loss - his agency gets about one claim a month for a fire caused by an obstructed dryer vent. If you need any proof, check it out. There are steps that you can take to make sure that you and your family don't become victims:

Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.

Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.

Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.

Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow

Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pete Mackey

DeWALT Cordless Drills Recalled for Fire Hazard

Chrissie Cole — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:36:54 GMT

DeWALT, in cooperation with CPSC, announced a voluntary product recall of 350,000 cordless drills because the trigger switch on the drill can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

To date the company has received 11 reports of trigger switches overheating. No property damage or injuries have been reported.

Cordless Drills Included in the Recall are:

DC920 Heavy-Duty XRPâ„¢ 1/2" (13mm) 18 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver 200723 through 200742

DC930 Heavy-Duty XRPâ„¢ 1/2" (13mm) 14.4 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver 200625 through 200746
DC935 Heavy-Duty XRPâ„¢ 1/2" (13mm) 14.4 Volt Cordless Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver 200627 through 200746
DC936 Heavy-Duty XRPâ„¢ 1/2" (13mm) 14.4 Volt Cordless Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver 200635 through 200746
DC940 Heavy-Duty XRPâ„¢ 1/2" (13mm) 12 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver 200635 through 200746

The model number can be found on a sticker located on the side of the drill. The date codes are embossed on the bottom of the handle. Units that are stamped with an "M" after the date code have already been repaired and they are not included in this recent recall.

Consumers are advised to stop using the drills and contact DeWalt to find the closest service center for a free inspection and repair if necessary.

Consumer Contact: Call DEWALT toll-free at (888) 742-9168 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit firm's Web site at www.DEWALT.com

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

ConAgra Issues Massive Banquet Pot Pie Recall

Courtney Mills — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:03:02 GMT

ConAgra Foods Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska stopped production of its Banquet turkey and chicken pot pies at a Missouri plant after linking over 165 cases of salmonella poisoning to the pies. While at least thirty people have ended up in the hospital as a result of eating the pies, ConAgra contends that the outbreak of salmonella is due to consumers undercooking the pies.

Although the company initially included only chicken and turkey pot pies in the recall, ConAgra announced Thursday that the beef pot pies should be included as well. Accordingly, all Banquet pot pies were cleared from grocery shelves. Consumers are advised to dispose of any Banquet pot pies in their freezer.

ConAgra and FDA officials also urged consumers not to eat other generic pot pies and to throw them away, given that the company is offering refunds. The affected store-brand pot pies are sold under the names of Food Lion, Albertson's, Hill Country Fare, Great Value, Kirkwood, Kroger, Meijer and Western Family pot pies

Salmonella bacteria poisoning is a serious gastrointestinal disease that can have major effects on the digestive system. Normal side effects of salmonella bacteria poisoning include fever, diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting. In certain populations, namely the very young, the elderly, and the immunosuppressed, salmonella can result in death.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Courtney Mills

Crib Turtle Toys Recalled by Kids II for Choking Hazard

Chrissie Cole — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:06:35 GMT

Kids II Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has announced a crib toy recall. The recalled products include the Baby Einstein, Baby Neptune and Soothing Seascape toy turtles.

The anchors that hold the straps to the back of the toy can detach and pose a choking hazard to small children. The company has received 23 reports of the anchors detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled crib toys and to contact Kids II for a free replacement toy.

The recalled crib toys have Model number 30858 printed on a label that can be located on the leg of the turtle. The recall includes crib toys manufactured in October 2007 with a date code of BJ7 printed on the battery compartment.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

'Formula 1' Toy Racing Cars Recalled for Paint Lead Hazard

Chrissie Cole — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:10:01 GMT

OKK Trading Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a toy recall of its "Formula 1" toy racing cars because the surface paint on the toys contains excessive levels of lead.

Excessive levels of lead, violates the federal lead paint standard and can be toxic if ingested by small children.

The toy recall involves toy racing cars that include a remote contro and four additional tires. "Formula 1" can be found printed on the packaging.

Consumers are advised to take the recalled toys away from children immediately and to return them to the store where they were purchased to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the company toll-free at (877) 655-8697 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.okktrading.com.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Lithonia Lighting Recalls Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixtures Because of Potential Shock Hazard

Jenny Albano — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:11:35 GMT

Litholia Lighting, in conjunction with the CPSC, is recalling about 50,000 Lithonia Lighting Nickel End Wrap Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixtures because of a potential shock hazard.

A wire inside the light fixture can come loose, which could pose an electrical shock hazard to consumers. So far there have been no injuries reported to the company.

The light fixtures were sold at Home Depot stores across the nation from January 2007 to August 2007.

The recall involves the Lithonia Lighting Nickel End Wrap fluorescent ceiling light fixtures model number "New 2 32 120 RE BN" and date code "N050807". The light fixtures measure four feet long and consist of two brushed nickel end caps and a clear plastic cover for the fluorescent tubes. "Lithonia Lighting", the model number, and the date code can be found on the shipping box or on a label located inside the fixture, next to the fluorescent tube.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano