Sept. 17, 2010: New Industry Standard Does Not Go Far Enough

Share
Roman Blinds and Roll-Up Shades have been associated with so many injuries and deaths that the CPSC, Health Canada (HC), and the European Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO) collaborated to urge for increased and broad global safety standards on these products from industry. Now, a new industry rule on dangerous cords does not appear to fully address dangerous and deadly strangulation risks to children, ignoring feedback from advocates. This, despite that these deadly products are killing about one child every month.
The new voluntary standard, published by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) permits long draw cords to remain on Roman blinds and roll-up shades, only doing away with the inner cords on Roman shades. These inner cords can be found either between horizontal blind slats or on the reverse side of Roman shades.

Although Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC strongly urged that consumer groups be allowed to join in the committee that updated this standard, advocates such as the Consumers Union, Consumers Federation of America, and Parents for Window Blind Safety, argue that the rule was written before they were able to become involved; therefore, their votes were inconsequential. And, although the WCMA promises to review consumer group comments and make a decision regarding potential changes to the standard, the standard is not up for revision for another two years. With an average of one child being killed by these dangerous products every month, the potential fall-out from this delay is staggering.

The defective product attorneys in the New York office of Sullivan & Brill, LLP can assist you, if you or someone you care about has been injured or lost his/her life due to a Roman Blind or roll-up shade. Please fill out the form to the right, or call 212-566-1000 for a free consultation.

Call Sullivan Brill @ 212-566-1000

Office Locations

New York

Trinity Centre
115 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10006
(212) 566-1000

Puerto Rico

 #73 Santa Cruz St., Suite 407
Santa Cruz Medical Building
Bayamon, Puerto Rico