WeMakeItSafer Recall Statistics Report 2004 - 2008 Sample

8/9/2019 WeMakeItSafer Recall Statistics Report 2004 - 2008 Sample

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© 2010 WeMakeItSafer

U.S. Consumer Product Recalls 2004 - 2008 Sample Report of All Product Categories Combined

This sample report illustrates the content available in the WeMakeItSafer RecallReports, which can be purchased at http://WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html

The numbers, product category names and other identifying data havebeen obscured. This is a SAMPLE ONLY.

This report is a comprehensive review of consumer product recallsimplemented by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Itprovides a summary of product-recall trends over the five year period from2004 through 2008, including the number of recall announcements, overallproduct units involved and seasonal averages. Recalled-product price pointsare analyzed and the overall dollar value of products subject to recall is

estimated. The potential hazards that prompted the recalls, as well as thenumber and types of incidents reported at the time of recall are reviewed. Theeffects of recall lag times and time-on-market are discussed.

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CPSC Recalls, 2004 - 2008

© 2010 WeMakeItSafer 2 of 34

WeMakeItSafer

WeMakeItSafer is a web applications and information services company that builds tools for

consumers, manufacturers and retailers in the area of consumer product safety. To support

applications and services, WeMakeItSafer has created the most comprehensive database of U.S.product recall statistics available anywhere. We have spent several years studying this data

alongside recall effectiveness reports, financial statements and market trends to identify the

characteristics most relevant to product safety and financial performance.

WeMakeItSafer's reports are based on extensive research and data analysis, summarized by

experts with a deep understanding of consumer product safety issues. When possible,

WeMakeItSafer has contacted the subject companies for comment and validation. The

information included in this report is presented in a format designed to be most useful to companies

and individuals desiring to understand product defect and recall trends. If you require different

segmentation, graphical representation or comparative data, please contact us via email at

[email protected] . In most cases, we will be able to provide the information you

need.

Copyright © 2010 WeMakeItSafer. All rights reserved. No portion of this report, including graphs, chartsand images, may be reproduced or transmitted by any means or in any medium without prior writtenconsent. Should you require such consent, please email your request to:[email protected].

Disclaimer:

N O W ARRANTY . N OT LEGAL ADVICE . N OT ACCOUNTING ADVICE . N OT M EDICAL ADVICE . N OT S ECURITIES ADVICE . The material in this report is intended to provide accurate information with regard to the subject mattercovered. WeMakeItSafer makes no warranties or representations of any kind concerning any informationmade available in this report. ANY AND ALL INFORMATION IS OFFERED “AS IS” WITHOUT GUARANTEE

OF ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, COMPLETENESS OR OTHERWISE. The content of this report may not

reflect the most current developments and is subject to change at any time. WEMAKEITSAFEREXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ACTIONS TAKEN OR NOT TAKEN BASEDUPON INFORMATION EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONSIN SUCH INFORMATION. The content of this report is for informational purposes only and is not to beconsidered as legal, accounting, medical or securities related advice. If legal or other professional advice isrequired, the services of a duly licensed, competent attorney or other relevant expert should be sought.WeMakeItSafer does not warrant or make any representations regarding the use, or the results of use, of thisreport or any data included herein including with respect to any security included in this report. THE ENTIRERISK AS TO SUCH USE, RESULTS OF USE AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS REPORT AND ANYSUCH DATA OR SECURITIES IS HEREBY ASSUMED BY USER.





Table of Contents

U.S. Product Recalls – By the Numbers ...........................................................................4

Recall Announcements .............................................................................................................. 4 Chart: Number of Product Recalls Announced by CPSC, 1999 – 2008 ................................... 4

Product Units .............................................................................................................................. 5 Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Year .................................................................................... 5

Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications ................................................................................ 6 Chart: Cumulative Unrecovered Recalled Product Units .......................................................... 6

Seasonality .................................................................................................................................. 8 Chart: Cumulative Monthly Product Recalls, by Year ............................................................... 8

Types of Products Recalled .............................................................................................10

Product Categories .................................................................................................................. 10 Chart: Product Recalls by Category and Year ........................................................................ 11 Chart: Product Recalls by Category, 2004-2008 .................................................................... 11 Chart: Product Categories as a Percent of All Recalls ........................................................... 12 Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Category ........................................................................... 13

Recalled Products - in Dollars ........................................................................................14 Retail Prices of Recalled Products ......................................................................................... 14

Chart: Retail Prices of Recalled Products, by Quartile ........................................................... 14 Chart: Distribution of Recalled Product Prices ....................................................................... 15

Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products ......................................................................... 17 Chart: Retail Value of Recalled Products ............................................................................... 17 Chart: Product Category Contribution to Est. Total Value of Recalled Products, 2004-2008 18

Cause for Recall ...............................................................................................................19

The Hazards .............................................................................................................................. 19 Chart: Most Common Hazards by Year .................................................................................. 20 Chart: Hazards Cited in Recall Announcements, by Prevalence ........................................... 21

Reported Incidents ................................................................................................................... 22 Chart & Table: Number of Harmful Incidents Reported at Time of Recall .............................. 22 Chart: Percent of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Defect Reported ......... 23 Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported

................................................................................................................................................ 24 Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported,

by Category ............................................................................................................................. 25

Recall Timing ...................................................................................................................26

Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall .......................................................... 26 Chart: Recalled Products Time on Market .............................................................................. 27 Chart: Recall Lag Time ........................................................................................................... 27 Chart: Average Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall of Defective Products ............ 28

Relationship Between Recall Timing and Incidents ............................................................. 29 Chart: Relationship Between Lag Time and Reported Incidents ............................................ 29

Appendix A: Listing of Product Categories, Subcategories and Types .....................30

Appendix B: Categorization of Children’s Products ....................................................34





U.S. Product Recal ls – By the Num bersRecall Announcements

Consumer product recalls in the United States have steadily [-]creased over the last ten years with

nearly [#] recalls announced in 2008 versus just over [#] in 1999. In total, there have been

approximately [#] safety recalls of consumer products over the ten-year period.1

We saw a marked [-] to over [#] recalls during 2007 due to numerous [-] recalls involving high levels

of [-]. Overall, during the period from 2004 through 2008, the Consumer Product Safety

Commission (CPSC) announced [#]recalls, with an average annual [-]crease of [#]%. If the

historical trend continues, we expect to see an [-]crease of approximately [#] product recalls issued

by the CPSC each year.

Chart: Number of Product Recalls Announced by CPSC, 1999 – 2008

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) was passed on August 14, 2008

with new regulations taking effect beginning in November, 2008 and continuing until at least

August, 2011. As the largest change to U.S. product safety law in more than a decade, the CPSIA

could significantly impact the number and types of recalls implemented and produce a departure

from historical trends.

1 Annual recall numbers reported by WeMakeItSafer and the CPSC differ. WeMakeItSafer reports product

recalls based on the number of new or expanded recall announcements published by the CPSC within a calendar year and treats each announcement as one recall. The exception to this treatment is when multiple,dissimilar products are included in one announcement, in which case the different products are treated as separate recalls. The CPSC reports annual recall numbers based on a fiscal year that begins in October and appears to treat each product, regardless of similarity as a separate recall in its counts. Similarly, the CPSC appears to count re-announcements of the same recall as an additional recall.

When adjusted for the fiscal year, WeMakeItSafer recall counts match the number of unique recalls in the CPSC recall listings.

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Number of Product Recalls Annou nced by CPSC

© WeMakeItSafer

Sample

Purchase actual report atWeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html





Product Units

Product recalls typically involve [#] up to [#] individual units. In 2004, we saw the [-] number of

units recalled under a single announcement when [#] million pieces of [-] were recalled due to high

levels of lead.2 After excluding this extreme outlier, product recalls from 2004 through 2008

averaged [#] product units each. Still, the data are highly skewed with the [-] of recalls involvingfewer than [#] units.3 Over the five-year period, [#] recalls ([#]% of all recalls) involved [#] [-]illion or

more units. Overall, since 2004, there have been involved [#] [-]illion product-units recalled under

the CPSC, an average of involved [#] [-]illion per year.4

Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Year

2 CPSC Recall Number [#]

3 The median number of units per recall for this time period is [#].

4 WeMakeItSafer’s calculation of units is taken from numbers reported in recall announcements. These

figures do not match numbers reported by the CPSC in annual reports. The CPSC has told WeMakeItSafer that it does not track the number of recalled units reported in announcements, but has not yet responded to our request for explanation of how numbers are calculated for reports. We assume that the CPSC uses rounded estimates for units per recall, as we have been able to recreate CPSC reported figures in this manner.

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[ - ] i l l i o n s

Recalled Prod uct Units

© WeMakeItSafer

SamplePurchase actual report at

WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html





Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications

To “recall” literally means to bring back. In practice, product recalls often involve a repair that does

not require the consumer to return the recalled product. Rather, an in-home repair kit or repair

service may be provided by the manufacturer or importer.5 The success of a company in retrieving

or repairing the recalled products is readily referred to as a recall’s effectiveness. Theeffectiveness rate is the percent of recalled products returned or repaired, often referred to as

“captured or corrected” within the CPSC. While average effectiveness rates have been cited as

low as [#]% and as high as [#]%, most studies land in the [#]% to [#]% range.

Low effectiveness rates have long been a concern of the CPSC, manufacturers and consumer

advocates alike. Assuming a recall effectiveness rate of [#]% and average product life of [#] years,

recalls implemented between 2004 and 2008 have resulted in an estimated [#] [-]illion potentially

dangerous, unrecovered products. When including products recalled prior to 2004, that number

climbs to over [#] [-]illion units.6

While many of these products eventually end up in landfills, [-]

remain in circulation for [-] years after the recall has been announced.

Chart: Cumulative Unrecovered Recalled Product Units

5 WeMakeItSafer is in the process of studying the differences among remedy options, their effects, if any, on

financial performance and impacts on recall effectiveness. If you would like more information about these analyses, please email: [email protected] for more information. 6 Estimate is based on an assumed [#]% product recovery within one year of the recall announcement,

followed by an additional [#]% product recovery the following year.

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200,000,000

400,000,000600,000,000

800,000,000

1,000,000,000

Est. Cum ulative Unreco vered Re calledPro duct Units

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

© WeMakeItSafer







Recall Effectiveness & Cost Implications (Continued)

Every unrecovered product represents a potential injury or death to a consumer and exposes the

companies involved to potential lawsuits and negative reputation effects. Costs to society

associated with product related incidents such as lost productivity, health care and legal system

expenses are also great. Using the Revised Injury Cost Model (Public Services Research Institute,

December 2000), the CPSC estimates costs to society from consumer product related injury, death

and property damage to be $[#] [-]illion annually. Using data in the same study, WeMakeItSafer

calculates an average cost of approximately $[#] per harmful incident.

Using incident report rates from recalls announced between 2004 through 2008,7 it is estimated

that defective products recalled during the ten year period from 1999 through 2008 caused

approximately [#] harmful events before being recalled. At an average cost of $[#] per harmful

incident, these products represent an estimated cost to society of $[#] [-]illion, before they were

recalled.8

Applying the Revised Injury Cost Model data to the approximately [#] [-]illion recalled product unitsremaining in circulation after their recall is announced yields an aggregate, monetary exposure to

the U.S. of about $[#] [-]illion in potential societal costs from unrecovered recalled products. Of

course, not every unrecovered recalled product will cause a harmful event such as an injury, death

or damaging fire. Again, applying 2004-2008 incident report rates to the ten year period, it is

estimated that unrecovered recalled products from 1999 through 2008 will be the cause of

approximately [#] harmful events post recall, leading to additional societal costs in the range of $[#]

[-]illion to $[#] [-]illion.9

The cost to society of ineffective recalls does not include legal defense costs incurred by

companies for product liability lawsuits arising from harmful incidents, nor does it include any cost

of lost sales due to declining reputation from such events.

7[#] recalls were used in this analysis. [#] recalls were excluded because the product sales dates were not

available, and [#] recalls were excluded because the number of harmful incidents was underreported or ambiguous. 8

Incidents where damage was contained to the product itself, including instances of fire that did not damage the surrounding area, were not counted as harmful incidents. This estimated cost to society is significantly

less than the CPSC’s $ [#][-]illion estimate because the CPSC estimate looks at all consumer products and harmful incidents — not specifically injuries that are associated with recalled products.9 Estimates assume that only [#] of incidents are reported at the time of recall and that injuries occur at the

same average rate for products remaining in circulation after a recall as was reported at the time of recall.





Seasonality

Recalls over the five year period exhibit seasonal trends, resulting in a pronounced spike in all but

[#] of the [#] calendar quarters. The [#] years, 200[#] and 200[#], follow a nearly identical pattern

over the course of the year. Starting off at a moderate pace in [-] , the number of recalls tend to

peak on the last month of each quarter, [-] , [-] and [-]ber. During the [-] quarter of the year, asimilar peak occurs in [-] ber before a sharp decline in [-]ber. For 200[#] and 200[#], this pattern is

replicated with the exception that the [#],[#] and [#]quarter peaks occur [#] month earlier, in [-],[-]ber

and [-]ber, for both years. 200[#] follows the same pattern as 200[#] and 200[#] through [-], then

follows the pattern of 200[#] and 200[#] until the end of the year.

Chart: Cumulative Monthly Product Recalls, by Year

The [-] patterns exhibited seem to be inconsistent with CPSC reporting requirements. Companies

are required to report to the CPSC within 24 hours of receiving or identifying information “thatreasonably supports the conclusion that a product fails to meet a consumer product safety rule,

standard, or ban, contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard or creates an

unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.”10

If companies choose the Fast Track option, recalls

are then implemented within [#] days of the initial report.11 Of those not implemented under Fast

10 CPSC Recall Handbook, 1999

11The Fast Track system, adopted in 1997, allows companies to bypass CPSC determination, an evaluation

process through which the CPSC makes a determination on the product’s level of defect or risk.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Months

Cum ulative Mon thly Recalls, by Year

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

© WeMakeItSafer







Track, recalls of regulated products are implemented within [#] business days ([#] weeks), and

recalls of non-regulated products are implemented within [#] business days ([#] weeks) from

determination.12

While some seasonality in identification of defects may be expected at times of increased sales

such as during the holidays, or with heightened use of particular seasonal products, in general, onewould expect that defects are no more likely to be identified, and therefore reported at the

beginning of a quarter than the end of the quarter and, therefore, recalls should be announced on a

fairly constant or random basis. Hence, it is unlikely that defect discovery rates alone explain the

quarterly patterns exhibited.

WeMakeItSafer has not analyzed potential causes of this seasonality; however, potential

explanations for the [-] patterns could include CPSC workloads and processes such as a drive

toward quarterly goals, manufacturer sales cycles or possible attempts to time reporting of defects

to control a recall’s impact on market events such as quarterly earnings reports.

12 CPSC 2010 Performance Budget Request, 2009

Timeframes are goals set by the CPSC and, according to the agency, are met over [#]% of the time.





Hardware, Tools &

Building Supply

Air Compressors & PumpsElectricalEngines / MotorsHardware & PaintHeating & CoolingLadders & StairsOther Hardware, Tools &

BuildingPlumbing

Power & Hand ToolsPropane & GasRoof & SkylightSealersWindows & Doors

Home & Garden

AppliancesArt & DecorBed & BathCleaning & LaundryFireplaces & AccessoriesFlooring & RugsFurnitureKitchen & DiningLighters & Matches

LightingOutdoor Cooking, Furniture &Decor

Pest ControlSafety & SecurityWindowYard / Pro ert Maintenance

Other

BooksClothing & AccessoriesCollectibles, not elsewhere

classified (n.e.c.).Food & SupplementsGuns & AccessoriesHealth & BeautyHobbyIndustrial, Business &

ScientificMusical InstrumentsPet SuppliesStationery & Office Supply

Children's

(All Kid & Baby Items)

Apparel, Shoes & AccessoriesBooks & BookmarksFeeding & SoothingFurniture & Bedroom

AccessoriesGear (Strollers, Carriers, etc.)Physical Play, Riding & BikesToys & Games

(Including Educational)

Computers &

Electronics

Battery & Power SuppliesCamera & PhotoComputers, Network &

AccessoriesNavigation SystemsTelephone / Cell PhoneTV, Audio & Video

Sports, Outdoors &

Recreation

Camping, Hiking, Fishing &Hunting

Fitness & ExerciseOutdoor Games & EquipmentSporting Goods & EquipmentSwimming Pool & Spa

Motorsport & Utility

Vehicles

General AutomotiveGolf Carts & Utility VehiclesMotorsports & RidingPersonal TransportRiding Mowers & Yard

Tractors

Types of Prod ucts Recalled

Product Categories

Nearly every consumer product used on a day-to-day basis falls under the CPSC’s jurisdiction. As

a general guideline, unless an item is intended to be swallowed or driven on public access roads

(or waters), it falls under the CPSC domain. Everything from baby bottles and books to

snowmobiles and yard tractors is monitored by and, when necessary, recalled by the CPSC. The

exceptions are food, drugs and cosmetics, which are controlled by the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA); motor vehicles; vehicle equipment and car seats, which fall under the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); boats, which are controlled by the US

Coast Guard; and environmental products such as pesticides, which are governed by the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

WeMakeItSafer groups consumer product recalls issued by the CPSC into seven product

categories.13 Appendix A provides a complete list of the product types included in each

subcategory. Appendix B provides additional information regarding classification of children’s

products.

13 WeMakeItSafer publishes category-specific reports that provide more detailed information on each

particular category of recalls, including additional data regarding the subcategories shown. For more information, please visit: http://WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html.





Product Categories (Continued)

From 2004 to 2008, there were [#] recalls of [Category A]’s products, the largest single recalled

product category, comprising [#]% of all recalls. [Category C] products had the next highest

number of recalls at [#] ([#]%), while [Category D] products came in [#] with [#]recalls ([#]%). Next,

[Category B] and [Category E] had a [-] number of recalls at [#] ([#]%) and [#] ([#]%), respectively.

Also a significant category, [Category F] products accounted for [#] ([#]%) of all recalls. All other

product categories combined made up the last [#]% of recalls with no more than [#] recalls in a

given category for the five year period.

Chart: Product Recalls by Category and Year

Chart: Product Recalls by Category, 2004-2008

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Pro cuct Recalls by Category

Category A Category B Category CCategory D Category E Category FOther

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category D

Category E

Category FCategory G

Prod uct Recalls by Category 2004 - 2008

© WeMakeItSafer

© WeMakeItSafer

SamplePurchase actual report atWeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html








Year over year, the percentage of recalls by category was fairly consistent. [Category A]’s products

and [Category C] products accounted for the most recalls and, from 200[#] through 200[#], were

similar with each accounting for approximately [#]% of annual recalls. However, in 200[#],[Category A]’s recalls increased substantially to [#] recalls, representing a [#]% increase from the

previous year, and [#]% of all 200[#] recalls. There were fewer [Category A]’s product recalls in

200[#], totaling [#] recalls, but the overall percentage remained [-] at [#]% as the number of recalls

in other categories also [-]clined. The [-]creases in [Category A]’s product recalls during 200[#] and

200[#] are attributed to recalls related to toys and [Category A]’s [-].

Chart: Product Categories as a Percent of All Recalls

0%

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100%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Pro duct Categories

As a Percen t of All Recalls

Other

Cateogry F

Category E

Category D

Category C

Category BCategory A

© WeMakeItSafer








As previously noted, the number of recalls and the number of product units recalled are not directly

proportional. Although [Category A]’s products accounted for [#] % of all recalls announced over

the five-year period, they accounted for approximately [#]% of recalled product units. The next

highest category by number of units was, again, [Category C] with [#]% of all units recalled,although [Category C] products accounted for [#]% of all recalls announced. [Category C] had the

next highest number with [#]% of recalled units, followed closely by [Category D] with [#]% of

recalled units. Of the remaining major product categories, [Category E], which was the [#] common

type of product to be recalled, only accounted for [#]% of actual units recalled. [Category E]

accounted for just [#]% of units recalled.

Chart: Recalled Product Units, by Category

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category D

Category E

Category F

Category G

Recalled Produ ct Units by Category 2004 - 2008

© WeMakeItSafer







Recalled Pr odu cts - in Dollars

Retail Prices of Recalled Products

Given the large variety of products monitored by the CPSC, it is no surprise that recalled products

vary greatly in retail price. In the years 2004 through 2008, prices ranged from $[#] to $[#]. Items

that had been given away for free, such as fast-food toys and promotional items, were recalled in

every year except 200[#]. In total, [#] free items were recalled, which accounted for approximately

[#] product units over the five year period. In [#], the least expensive product to be recalled was a

baby pacifier that sold for $[#].14

The highest average retail price for a recalled product was $[#] for a [-] recalled in 200[#]. The

boiler sold for up to $[#].15 The next highest average price was $[#] for a [-] recalled in 200[#],

which sold for a maximum price of $[#].16

Overall, the average price of recalled products over the five year period was $[#], ranging from an

average price of $[#] in 200[#] to $[#] in 200[#]; however, the data are highly skewed. As shown in

the box plot below, well over [#] of the recalled products are priced [-] $[#] in each year, with themedian falling between $[#] and $[#]. 17, 18

Chart: Retail Prices of Recalled Products, by Quartile




17 When a price range rather than a single price point is given for a recalled product, the average price is

used. When multiple products are included in the same recall, and different prices or price ranges are given,

the recall is counted in each price range. [#] ( [#]%) recalls, accounting for [#] price points, are represented in

the analysis. Prices were unavailable for [#] ( [#]%) recalls.18

The fourth quartile in the above box plot is not to scale.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

F o u r t h

Q u a r t i l e

i n H u n d r

e d s ( $ 1 0 0 )

Note: Fourth quartile is not to scale; shown in $100s.

Retail Prices of Recalled ProductsBy Qurartile

© WeMakeItSafer







Retail Prices of Recalled Products (Continued)

Chart: Distribution of Recalled Product Prices

While [-]er priced items tend to be recalled [-] frequently than [-]er priced items, price alone cannot

be considered a predictor of recall probability because it is also likely that there are simply more

products sold in the [-]er price ranges. Statistically, there is [#] correlation between the price of

recalled products and the number of recalls at those price points. However, when data are isolated

to recalled products with price points of $[#]or less, there is a correlation of about [#], meaning the

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Number of Recalls with Product at or Below Given Dollar Value

P r i e c e

R a n g e

$ U S D

Distribution of Recalled Pro duct Prices2004 - 2008

© WeMakeItSafer






number of recalls [-]creases as the product price [-]. When isolated even further, to products below

$[#], the correlation is strong at [#]. Again, we caution against interpretation of causation. These

data do not support the conclusion that [-]er priced items are [-] likely to be defective or recalled.





Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products

Products worth an estimated $[#] [-]illion have been recalled from 2004 to 200[#].19 [#] recalls over

the five year period involved products with a total estimated value over $[#] [-]illion. These included

one notebook computer recall, two [-] recalls, one recall of a [-], one recall of an [-], and one recall

of an [-] system. Overall, the average value of products recalled at one time was $[#]million; themedian was $[#].20

While many recalls require the replacement of the entire product, repairs are also common and, in

those cases, the full price of the product is not lost. Still, this analysis of the overall value of

products recalled gives some indication of the potential monetary impact. Other direct costs to be

considered include, but are not limited to, advertisement of the recall, shipping expenses, parts and

labor for repairs, warehousing and destruction of unsalable goods and internal administrative

costs.21

Chart: Retail Value of Recalled Products

The product value of a particular recall is sometimes driven by price and other times by quantity of

units without any strong pattern when looking at all product types combined. For example, in

200[#], the overall estimated value of recalled products was largely driven by several recalls of [-],

each of which accounted for an average of only [#] units but averaged over $[#]. In 2007, however,

the [-]est overall values were attributed to recalls of [-][#]illion dishwashers with average prices

under $[#].

19 The dollar value of products recalled is estimated using the prices and the number of units reported in each

recall announcement. When a price range is given for a recalled product, the average price is used. When multiple products with different prices or price ranges are given for the same recall, units are attributed accordingly. If division of units across products is unavailable, an equal distribution is assumed. 20 Average and median are based on individual products. More than one product may be included in a single recall. 21

WeMakeItSafer is conducting studies regarding direct and indirect costs of product recalls. Please email: [email protected] for more information.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

P r o

d u c

t V a

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[ - ] i l l i o n s

$ U S D

Retail Value of Recalled Products

© WeMakeItSafer







Estimated Total Value of Recalled Products (Continued)

Overall, the number of product units affected in a given recall has [-] correlation with the price of

products recalled ([#]). There is some [#] correlation between price and overall recall value ([#]),

but [-] correlation between the number of units and value ([#]).

As noted above, for the five year period, the highest priced recalled products were in the [Category

C] category, while the highest number of units recalled was in [Category A]’s products. Over the

same time period, the product category that contributed the most to the estimated total value of

recalled products of $[#] billion was [Category E] with $[#] billion ([#]%) worth of products recalled.

The next highest category was [Category C] with $[#]billion ([#]%) worth of products recalled,

followed by [Category B] at $6.9 billion ([#]%).22 [Category A]’s products, although the most

prevalent type of recall and the highest number of units, only account for $[#] billion ([#]%) worth of

recalled products due to the [-]er price point of many [Category A]’s items such as [-] and [-].

Chart: Product Category Contribution to Est. Total Value of Recalled Products, 2004-2008

22 Additional information on pricing, units and value for each type of product can be found in WeMakeItSafer’s

category level reports. Please visit http://WeMakeItSafer.com/RecallStatistics.html for more information.

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category D

Category E

Category F

Category G

Prod uct Category Con tribution toEst. Total Value of Re called Produ cts

2004 - 2008

© WeMakeItSafer






Cause for Recal l

The Hazards

Products are recalled by the CPSC when it is determined there is a substantial threat to consumer

safety. Any given product may pose multiple safety threats, referred to as hazards.WeMakeItSafer has identified recalls by the hazard types listed below. While most hazards are self

explanatory, we have included examples for clarification. The examples are not intended to be

exhaustive.23

Burn (not fire related) (e.g., burns caused by chemicals or overheating objects)

Choking (e.g., small parts on children’s products)

Crash (e.g., loss of control of or fall from a moving vehicle or bicycle)

Cuts & Amputation (e.g., sharp edges, missing safety guards on power tools)

Drowning & Decompression (e.g., defective pool safety or diving equipment)

Electrocution (e.g., faulty wiring, lack of safety requirements to prevent shock)

Emergency Response (e.g., defective alarms or evacuation equipment) Entrapment (e.g. small spaces on children’s gear, gaps in crib frame)

Fall (e.g., collapse of furniture or swing)

Fire & Fire-Related Burn (e.g., faulty wiring, high flames on candles)

Impact & Impalement (e.g., flying objects or projections, including from explosion)

Internal Injury (e.g., ingestible magnets, bodily injury not elsewhere classified)

Poisoning (e.g., harmful or irritating chemicals, carbon monoxide fumes, lead paint)

Strangling & Suffocation (e.g., drawstrings on sweatshirts, collapsible play yards)

Over the five year period, [Hazard A] was by far the most common hazard, cited by [#] recall

announcements. The next most frequent hazard classification during this time period was [Hazard

B] with [#] recalls, followed by [Hazard C], each with [#] recalls. The least common hazard was

[Hazard D] with only [#] recalls over the five year period.

The number of recalls citing [Hazard E] hazards [-]creased steadily from 200 [#] through 200 [#],

but [-]ed slightly in 2008. Overall, the total number of recalls citing this hazard [-]creased [#] %

from 2004 to 200[#].

As seen in the chart below, [Hazard D] classifications [-]creased dramatically in 200[#], overtaking

[Hazard A] as the number one hazard type due to a significant number of [-] related recalls. [-]

related recalls remained high in 2008. In 200[#] and 200[#], there were [#] and [#] recalls,

respectively, citing lead poisoning hazards. These numbers lie in stark contrast to the previous

years when there had been no more than [-] such recalls per year.

Interestingly, although Mattel, Inc. [MAT] received extensive media coverage and is oftenreferenced when discussing the 2007 lead recalls, Mattel accounted for just [#] of the [#] recall

announcements and around [#]illion of the [#]illion product units recalled for excessive levels of

lead.

23 The CPSC also classifies recalls by type of hazard; however, CPSC classifications are inconsistent over

time. WeMakeItSafer has classified each recall based on information presented in the recall announcements.Recall announcements may cite more than one safety threat and, therefore, may be counted in more than one

hazard type; the [#] recalls analyzed represent [#] hazards.





The Hazards (Continued)

Chart: Most Common Hazards by Year

The number of recalls citing [Hazard F] [#] in 2005 due to an increased number of [-] recalls and

an unusually high number of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) recalls. In total [#] [-] recalls citing crash

hazards were announced in 2005, compared to [#] in 2004.

Although it is not one of the most common recall hazards, [Hazard F] recalls [-] significantly from

2007 to 2008 to [#] recalls, a [#]% increase over [#] and a [#]% [-]crease [-][#] levels. The [-]crease

is largely due to expanded CPSC efforts to enforce safety standards regarding drawstrings inchildren’s apparel. [#] of the [#] [Hazard F] recalls in [#] were for [-] in children’s [-].

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Most Comm on Hazards by Ye ar

Hazard A

Hazard B

Hazard C

Hazard D

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Hazard F

Hazard G

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The Hazards (Continued)

Chart: Hazards Cited in Recall Announcements, by Prevalence

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Hazards Cited in Recall AnnouncementsBy Prevelance

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Reported Incidents

Product recall announcements nearly always show the number of incidents, meaning the number

of times the product defect in question was reported by consumers to the CPSC or the

manufacturer. The number of incidents may also include observations by the CPSC as identified

during testing or investigation, for example. If there were a harmful event such as an injury, deathor property damage associated with the incident, those numbers are also reported.

The number of incidents shown in recall announcements is often [-]. For example, some recall

announcements list the same number of harmful events as there are incidents; however, for most

products, it is unlikely that every incident of failure results in an injury or property damage. In those

cases, the manufacturer may have tracked only reports of harm. It is also true that most consumers

do not report incidents, even those that involve a harmful event, to the manufacturer or the CPSC.

It is estimated that only [#]% of incidents are reported.

Additionally, some of the recall announcements are unclear about the number of harmful incidents

that were reported, stating numbers like “several” or “some” injuries; at other times minimum

numbers were provided with statements such as “at least [#] reports.” WeMakeItSafer calculatesthe number of harmful incidents reported using the smallest number that would make the

statements true. The reported figures should be treated as minimums.24

Chart & Table: Number of Harmful Incidents Repo rted at Time of Recall

24 Incidents where damage was contained to the product itself were not counted as harmful incidents. About

[#] incidents of fire that did not indicate damage to the surrounding area are not included as harmful events.Injuries resulting from fires are counted under Injuries.

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Deaths 2 0 7 6 7

Injuries 550 820 500 970 620Fires (with Property

Damage) 110 60 60 120 110

Other Property Damage 80 610 120 190 60

T o t a l N u m b e r o f I n c i d e n t s R e

p o r t e d

Number of Harm ful Incidents Reportedat Tim e of Recall

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Sam le







Reported Incidents (continued)

The total number of harmful events reported [-] relationship with the number of recalls announced

or the number of recalled units. In other words, in a year-over-year comparison, when recalls [-]

crease, harmful incidents may [-] crease. This is mainly due to the fact that there are a handful of

recalls that reported particularly [-] numbers of harmful incidents.

In 200[#], [#] ([#]%) of the approximately [#] reported incidents of property damage not related to

fire were due to a single recall of Stanley thermoses that broke, releasing chemical powders into

the air. The same recall cited [#] reports of injury and [#] incidents in total.25

Also in 200[#],[#]

recall of a Graco stroller reported [#] injuries, accounting for [#]% of the injuries reported that

year.26

In 200[#],[#] recalls together accounted for [#]% of the approximately [#] reported injuries. [#] recall

of an Evenflo infant carrier that had [#] injuries and [#] total incidents reported by the date of the

recall.27

The other was an Intex ladder with [#] injuries and [#] total incidents reported at the time of

recall.28 In 200[#], [#] incidents, including [#] injuries, were reported with the recall of Topsy-Turvy

tomato planters.29

[#] recall accounts for [#]% of the injuries reported that year.

Overall, of the [#] recall announcements from 200[#] through 2008, [#] ([#]%) indicated that therewere [#] incidents reported as of the date of the recall. For the other [#] ([#]%), approximately [#]

incidents were reported, about [#] of which were harmful. Of the harmful events, [#] involved

injuries, [#] of which resulted in death, and [#] cases of property damage were reported.

Approximately [#] of the incidents of property damage were due to fire. There were about [#]

additional reports of fire that did not result in property damage beyond the product itself.

Chart: Percent of Recalls Implemented Before and A fter Incident of Defect Reported




28 CPSC Recall Number [#]29

CPSC Recall Number [#]

Percent of Recalls Implem ented Beforeand After Incident of Defect Reported

2004-2008

Recalls Implemented Before Any Incidents ReportedRecalls Implemented After Incidents Reported, Before Any Harm ReportedRecalls Implemented After Incidents of Harmful Events Reported

© WeMakeItSafer






Companies that implement recalls before having received any reports of product failure, have

typically identified the defect in-house through testing. In the years 200[#] through 200[#], only

about [#] of recalls were implemented prior to either the CPSC or the manufacturer having received

reports of the product’s failure. The sharp increase to [#]% in 200[#] is due to the high number of

recalls related to lead poisoning hazards for which incidents and injuries are almost never reported,

even when they exist.

Unlike injuries caused by a malfunctioning product, lead poisoning does not happen instantly.

Rather, lead accumulates in the body over time with repeated exposure, and the harmful effects

may not be realized until months or even years later. Once lead poisoning is suspected, a blood

test is required to determine whether the individual has been exposed. If the individual does test

positive for high levels of lead, it is usually very difficult to determine exactly from where the lead

derived. It is therefore expected that products recalled due to excessive levels of lead will not have

any reported incidents except in rare instances, for example, when a piece of lead-containing

jewelry is found in a child’s system after swallowing.

Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported

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150

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Number of Recalls Implemented Before and

After Incident of Product Defect Reported

Recalls ImplementedBefore Any IncidentsReported

Recalls Implemented

After IncidentsReported, Before AnyHarm Reported

Recalls ImplementedAfter Incidents ofHarmful EventsReported

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In every product category except [Category A]’s, the majority of recalls occur only after the

manufacturer or the CPSC has received reports of product failure, about half of which include

reports of injury, death or property damage. When we exclude the [#] lead-related [Category A]’s

product recalls, the majority of [Category A]’s product recalls also occur after reports of product

failure, [#]% of the time.

[Category C] product recalls have the [-]est rate of product failure being reported at the time of

recall. [#]% of [Category C] product recalls occur after reports of failure have been received, with

[#]% of [Category C] recalls reporting at least [-] harmful event. The category with the [-]st rate of

incidents reported at the time of recall was [Category A]’s at [#]%,[#]% of the incidents included

reports of harm. Again, when excluding lead-related recalls, [#]% of [Category A]’s product recalls

included reports of product failure.

Chart: Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After Incident of Product Defect Reported, by Categ ory

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Category A Category B Category C Category D Category E Category F

Number of Recalls Implemented Before and After

Incident of Defect Reported2004 - 2008

Recalls Implemented Before AnyIncidents Reported

Recalls Implemented After IncidentsReported, Before Any Harm Reported

Recalls Implemented After Incidentsof Harmful Events Reported

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Recall Tim ing

Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall

Time on Market is the period over which a product is sold new. It begins with the first sale of the

product and ends when the product is no longer sold in retail establishments. Time on Market does

not include after-market sales such as those of secondhand goods. Lag Time is the period of time

a defective product is in circulation before it is recalled. It begins with the first sale of the product

and ends with the date the recall is announced.30

Often, Time on Market and Lag Time are equal because the recall itself is what causes retailers to

stop selling the product. Other times, manufacturers pull a product from market as soon as they

determine a recall is imminent, [-] to [-] month before the recall announcement is released. In this

case, the Lag Times will be greater than Time on Market. Lag Time is also greater than Time on

Market in instances when the product is no longer being sold several months or years before the

potentially harmful defect is discovered.31

For products recalled from 2004 through 2008, the Time on Market ranged from [#] to [#] years,

with an average of about [#] months. At the top of the range was a grocery store, frozen food case

sold from the mid-19[#]0s until June 200[#], when it was recalled for repair after [#] reports that the

[-] used in the cases had been forcefully ejected from their units.32

Of products that were ultimately recalled, [#]had been sold for [#] to [#] years, and [#] were sold for

[#] years or more. The majority of recalled products are at the other end of the spectrum, with [#]%

having been on the market for [#] year or [#] before they were recalled. [#]% were on the market for

[#] months or [-] .

During the same time period, Lag Times ranged from [#] months to [#] months, with an average of

about [#] months. The product with the longest Lag Time was a Berko electric space heater sold

from [#] through February [#] and recalled [#] years later in August 200[#], after having received [#]

reports of fires that caused property damage.33

[#] products had recall Lag Times of [#] to [#]years, and [#] had Lag Times of [#] years or more. At

the opposite end of the range, [#]% of recalls occurred within [#] years of the product having been

first sold, and [#]% had Lag Times of [#]months or less.

30Recall announcements list sales dates to the month; recall dates are provided to the day. WeMakeItSafer

treats partial months as one month.31

[#] recalls did not indicate sales dates and were removed from the data. Time on Market and Recall Lag

Time analyses are based on [#] recalls.32

CPSC Recall Number [#]33

CPSC Recall Number [#]





Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall (Continued)

Chart: Recalled Products Time on Market

Chart: Recall Lag Time

1 Mo

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8 Mo

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11 Mo12 Mo2 Yrs

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11-15 Yrs 16+ Yrs

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Recalled Products Time on Market2004-2008

The Percentage of Recalls With Times Less Than or Equal to the Time Shown

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1 Year or Less44%

Recall Lag Time2004-2008

The Percentage of Recalls With Times Less Than or Equal to the TimeShown

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Product Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall (Continued)

For [#]% of recalls, Lag Time is greater than Time on Market by one year or less. For [#]% of

recalls, the difference is two months or less. One possible explanation is that companies stop

selling the product on the same day or just prior to notifying the CPSC of the defect, with the intent

of implementing a Fast Track recall. The Fast Track system, adopted in 1997, allows companies to

bypass CPSC determination, an evaluation process through which the CPSC makes a

determination on the product’s level of defect or risk. This evaluation process can take several

weeks, and in the end, the company may not agree with the final conclusion or the wording that is

presented to the public. A company can avoid CPSC determination by implementing a voluntary

recall within 20 days of the company’s initial notification to the CPSC. This process, referred to as

Fast Track, speeds implementation of the recall and decreases the difference between Time on

Market and Lag Time. According to the CPSC, about half of all product recalls are Fast Track

recalls.

Chart: Average Time on Market and Lag Time Before Recall of Defective Products

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Avg. Time on Market Avg. Lag Time

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Relationship Between Recall Timing and Incidents

Neither Time on Market nor Lag Time can be used to predict the exact number of incidents or

harmful events that will be reported by the time a recall is announced, but there is a [-] relationship

that is useful for comparing one recall to another.34 On average, the [#] number of incidents of

product failure reported at the time of recall [-]creases both the [-]er a product is on the market andthe longer it takes for a defective product to be recalled. Lag Time has a [-] impact on both the

number of total incidents and harmful events than does Time on Market but, [-]for recalls with very

long lag times, the difference is [-].

The chart below shows regression results for Lag Times on the number of incidents reported for

recalls with Lag Times of five years or less, which includes [#]% of all recalls. All else being equal,

on average, it is expected that [#] additional incident(s) will be reported for every [#] months that

goes by before a defective product is recalled. [#] additional harmful incident is reported for every

[#] months that go by before a defective product is recalled.

Chart: Relationship Between Lag Time and Reported Incidents

As discussed above, due to the nature of lead poisoning, products recalled due to excessive levels

of lead rarely have any incidents reported at the time of recall. Not surprisingly, after excluding

recalls with lead related hazards from the above analysis, the average number of incidents and

harmful incidents reported goes up. On average, not including lead poisoning related recalls, [#]

additional incident of product failure is reported every [#] days that a defective product goes without

being recalled, and [#] additional harmful incident is reported every [#] months.

As previously noted, reports of incidents and harmful events should be considered minimums.

34 Harmful events include reports of injury, death or property damage. Reports of damage that was contained to the product itself were not counted as harmful events, but were counted as incidents. About [#] incidents of fire that did not indicate damage to the surrounding area are not included as harmful events. Injuries resulting from fires are counted under Injuries.

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Appendix A: Listing of Product Categories, Subcategories and Types

Books (not Children’s) Board Games & Other GamesBooks Children’s Two-Way Radios

Books Coin BanksChildren's (All Kid & Baby) Darts/Dart Boards

Apparel, Shoes & Accessories Dive Sticks & Pool GamesBadges Electronics (Children's)

Children's Accessories Infant, Crib & Stroller ToysChildren's/Costume Jewelry Lawn DartsClothing (Children's) Magnets & Magnetic Building SetsShoes Mats

Books & Bookmarks Mini-Televisor ToysBookmarks PuzzlesBooks Rockets & Launchers

Childproofing & Safety Science Kits & Other EducationalGates (Safety) SlingshotsSafety Latches Spray String/Streamers

Feeding & Soothing Toddler & Preschool Toys, n.e.c.Baby Bottle/Food Warmers Toy Animals Stuffed/Not StuffedBaby Feeding Items Toy BallsHumidifiers & Vaporizers Toy BlocksLunch Kits & Water Bottles Toy Dolls & Accessories

Pacifiers & Accessories Toy FiguresSippy/Tumbler Cups Toy Guns & BlastersTeething Items Toy Holiday/Seasonal

Furniture & Bedroom Accessories Toy MiscellaneousBassinets Toy Musical InstrumentsBeds Toy Play Sets/Activity SetsChanging Tables Toy PlayhousesCribs & Crib/Toddler Mattresses Toy Swords & LightsabersHammocks (Children's) Toy TelephonesLamps, Lights & Nightlights Toy Vehicles, Including RCOther Children's Furnishings Toy WhistlesPuppet Theaters Toys for BathtubSeating, Chairs & Tables Video, Arcade and Table GamesToy Chests/Trunks Wooden Toys

Gear Clothing & Accessories (not Children’s)Baby Seats (Non-Bath) Apparel & Accessories

Baby Wipe Warmers Clothing (Adults)Bags & Backpacks Clothing AccessoriesBathtubs & Seats (Baby) GlovesBooster Seats Key Rings/ChainsCushions, Pillows & Bedding FootwearHigh Chairs Shoes, Sandals & BootsInfant Carriers/Car Seats/Backpacks Collectibles, not elsewhere classifiedMeasuring Charts Collectibles, n.e.c.Playpens, Yards & Travel Beds Collectibles, n.e.c.Strollers & Accessories Computers & ElectronicsSwings (Baby/Cradle) Battery & Power Supplies

Physical Play & Riding Adapters, Chargers & Supply DevicesBaby Floats Cords, Power Strips & Surge ProtectorsBaby Walkers/stationary Entertainers Camera & PhotoBouncers/Jumpers CamerasRide-ons, Bikes & Accessories Computers, Network & AccessoriesSports Related Computers & AccessoriesSwings & Play Structures Monitors/ScreensTrampolines Network, Internet & RelatedWagons Navigation Systems

Toys & Games (Including Educational) Navigation SystemsArt, Craft & stationery Supply Telephone / Cell PhoneBead Maze Toys Telephones, Cell Phones & Accessories





TV, Audio & Video Electric Water HeatersAmplifiers Faucets & RelatedAudio/Video Systems & Accessories Gas Water Heaters & AccessoriesDVD/CD/MP3 Players Hot Water Valves (Residential Heating)Radios & Music Players Portable Hydration UnitsRadios (Weather) Sump PumpsRemote Controls Water PumpsSpeakers Power & Hand Tools

Televisions, Mounts, Guards & Antennas Drills & BitsWireless Headsets Hatchets and Splitters

Farming Equipment & Supplies Jack Lift Tools and KitsFarming Equipment & Supplies Nailers

Farming Equipment & Supplies Pressure WashersFood & Supplements Sanders/Grinders & Routers

Grocery Saws & SplittersFood & Drink Screwdrivers

Vitamins & Supplements Tools MiscellaneousVitamins & Supplements Welders & Soldering Guns/Irons

Guns & Accessories Propane & GasGuns & Accessories Connectors, Regulators & Hoses

Guns & Accessories Cylinders, Tanks and FuelHardware, Tools & Building Supply Gas Control Valves

Air Compressors & Pumps Roof & Skylight

Air Compressors Roof Glass/SkylightsAir Pumps SealersElectrical Sealers

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) Windows & DoorsCircuit Breakers Door LocksCircuit Testers Doors & Door KnobsElectrical Outlets & Accessories WindowsElectrical Testers Health & BeautyGenerators Beauty SupplyMeter Boxes Eyelash CurlersPortable Generators Manicure / PedicurePower Cords Hair CareSwitches Curling/Hair Straightening IronsVoltage Testers Hair DryersWire & Wire-Related Personal Care

Engines / Motors Massagers

Electric Motors HobbyEngines Arts & Crafts

Hardware & Paint Arts & CraftsPaint & Coating Items Glue Guns

Heating & Cooling General Hobby ItemsAutomatic Gas Vent Dampers Other Hobby ItemsEnvironmental Units Sewing & FabricFurnaces Sewing MachinesHeating/Cooling UnitsPackaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pump(PTAC) Home & Garden

RadiatorsAppliances (See Kitchen & Dining for smallkitchen appliances and gadgets.)

Vent Pipes Air Cleaners/PurifiersVentilators Dehumidifiers

Ladders & Stairs DishwashersLadders & Accessories DryersOther Hardware, Tools & Building Fans

Locks (Combination/Key) FreezersShop Vacs HumidifiersTrouble/Work Lights & Flashlights Ovens/Stoves/ Ranges/Microwaves

Plumbing RefrigeratorsBaths Space HeatersBoilers & Accessories Washing Machines





Art & Decor Grills, Smokers & AccessoriesArtwork HammocksCandles & Candle Holders Patio & Lawn FurnitureDecorations & Party Items TorchesFigurines UV Fabric ProtectorFrames Wooden Hammock StandsHoliday Items (except lights) Pest ControlLights (Seasonal) Bug Killers

Mirrors Insect TrapsPotpourri & Aromatherapy Items Safety & SecuritySnow/Water Globes Carbon Monoxide Detectors/AlarmsVases Fire Extinguishers

Bed & Bath Fire SuppressorsMattresses & Mattress Covers Fire Warning SystemsMedicine Cabinets Heat DetectorsPillows, Sheets & Blankets Home Control/Alarm SystemsShower Items SafesVaporizers/Diffusers Safety Relief Plugs

Cleaning & Laundry Safety/Emergency Tool KitsAir Fresheners Smoke Detectors/AlarmsCleaners/Cleaning Products Smoke HoodsClothing Irons Sprinklers (Fire)Steam Cleaners Window

Vacuum Cleaners/Sweepers Blinds, Shades & CordsFireplaces & Accessories Yard / Property MaintenanceFireplaces & Accessories Augers

Flooring & Rugs Blowers & Yard VacsCarpets and Rugs Brush Cutters

Furniture Decking MaterialsBeds and Cots EdgersChairs and Stools Flame WeedersChests/Trunks Hedge TrimmersFurniture (Miscellaneous) Lawn Mowers (Not Riding)Futon Mattresses Planting/Gardening AccessoriesTelevision Carts/Stands/Entertainment Centers Snow Blowers & Throwers

Kitchen & Dining SprayersBlenders, Mixers & Juicers Sprinklers (Lawn)Bottles (Sports/Water/Thermos) Weed TrimmersCake Decorations Wheelbarrows/Garden Carts

Carafes/Jars Industrial, Business & ScientificCoffee/Tea/Espresso Makers & Kettles Amusement Park RelatedCookers & Cookware Amusement RidesCooking Torches Building Maintenance & SecurityCooking/Preparation Utensils Building SecurityDishes/Glassware/Eating Utensils Exit and Emergency LightsFood Dehydrator/Preserver/Processor Hand DryersIce Shavers Service Doors & AccessSake Warmers SignsSoda Machines Choral RisersTimers Choral RisersToasters/Toaster Ovens Food RelatedWaffle Irons Displays & Freezer CasesWater/Drink Coolers & Dispensers Food Makers & Machines

Lighters & Matches Playground EquipmentLighters Swings, Slides & Play StructuresMatches Public Announcement (PA) Systems

Lighting Public Announcement SystemsLamps Science SupplyLights & Accessories Laboratory Equipment

Outdoor Cooking, Furniture & Decor PolariscopesFire Pits, Heaters & Accessories Thermostats/Thermometers/SensorsFlagpoles





Musical Instruments Personal TransportMusical Instruments Human Transporters

Musical Instruments Riding Mowers & Yard TractorsPet Supplies Riding Mowers & Yard Tractors

Pet SuppliesAquariums & AccessoriesPet Accessories

Sports, Outdoors & RecreationCamping, Hiking, Fishing & Hunting

Climbing EquipmentFishing ItemsHunting EquipmentOther Outdoor ItemsSpear/Dart GunsTents & Canopies

Fitness & ExerciseExercise Machines/EquipmentFloat Tanks

Outdoor Games & EquipmentFireworks & AccessoriesPaintball Equipment & Accessories

Sporting Goods & EquipmentBaseball/Softball Accessories

BasketballBicycles & AccessoriesHelmets & Helmet AccessoriesHorseback Riding AccessoriesPitchbacksScuba Diving/Water Activity EquipmentSkiing/SnowboardingSports Equipment & Accessories

Swimming Pool & SpaHot Tubs/SpasSaunasSwimming Pool Items

Stationery & Office SupplyDesk Accessories

PaperweightsStaplers

Office MachinesCopiers & PrintersFacsimile (FAX) MachinesLaminatorsLight BoxesPaper ShreddersProjectors

Paper ProductsJournals & Calendars

Vehicles, Tractors & MotorsportsGeneral Automotive

Automotive ProductsGolf Carts & Utility Vehicles

Golf Carts (Riding)Other Carts & Utility Vehicles

Utility VehiclesMotorsports & RidingAll Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)Go-Karts & AccessoriesMotorcycles, Dirt Bikes & AccessoriesSnowmobilesVehicle Accessories




Appendix B: Categorization of Children’s Products

WeMakeItSafer includes products that are primarily intended for children twelve and under in the

Children’s category. “Intended for children,” includes both products that are primarily intended for a

child’s direct use and products primarily intended for a child’s care by an adult. Examples include

toys, pacifiers, children’s clothing, strollers and cribs. A complete listing of product types is

included in Appendix A: Listing of Product Types Included in Product Categories andSubcategories.

Products that could be used by children but are not primarily intended for children are not included

in the Children’s category, even if the product was recalled due to a potential hazard to children.

For example, both a coffee table and a candle containing high levels of lead, which can be

dangerous to children, would be included in [Category C] rather than in Children’s because neither

the coffee table nor the candle is a children’s product .

Similarly, bicycles and sporting equipment may be used by children. However, unless the item was

intended primarily for a child, they will be included in Sports, Outdoors & Recreation. One example

is a professional-height basketball hoop that can be installed in a backyard. While children may

shoot baskets on the hoop, it is not primarily intended for children twelve and under and would beincluded in the [Category D] category. On the other hand, a five foot, plastic basketball hoop that

can generally only be used by children, will be in the Children’s category.

Products that have exceptions to the above rule, or for which additional explanation may be helpful,

are discussed below.

Video Game Consoles – While many households without children have game consoles and,

therefore, it can be argued that the consoles are not primarily intended for children, because the

consoles are required to play games that are often primarily intended for children, we have

included video game consoles in the Children’s category.

Youth ATVs – The majority of Youth ATVs are designed for use by teens and are not intended for

children twelve and under. Some ATVs in the 70cc to 90cc range have age recommendations of

twelve and up; rarely are ATVs greater than 50cc recommended for children under twelve. If age

recommendations are not provided, consideration is given to the manufacturer (whether a toy

company or a recreational vehicle company), the speed the vehicle travels, the power source and

the size of the engine. In general, we have included Youth ATVs over 50cc in the Vehicles,

Tractors & Motorsports category. Youth ATVs that are 50cc or less, and ATV-shaped ride-on toys

intended for small children, are included in Children’s.

Motorbikes and Go Karts – The same methodology used in determining ATV classification is used

for classification of motorbikes. Unless the product is a ride-on toy shaped like a motorcycle or Go

Kart, or children are specifically mentioned in the recall, these products are included in Vehicles,

Tractors & Motorsports.

Bicycle Motocross (BMX) Bikes - Bicycle Motocross (BMX) is considered an extreme sport, the

participants of which are most often teens and adults. Because BMX bikes tend to be smaller in

size and have less complicated gearing mechanisms compared to other adult bikes, BMX bikes

may be used by children. However, BMX bikes are not primarily intended for children and are not

included in the Children’s product category unless a recall announcement specifically identifies the

bike as a children’s bike.

WeMakeItSafer Recall Statistics Report 2004 - 2008 Sample

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