Florida Firm Fined $16 Million Over Defect in Clothing Steamer Products

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that HSN Inc., of St. Petersburg, Florida, has agreed to pay a $16 million civil penalty. to settle charges that it failed to report complaints and injuries related to its garment steaming products.

The commission said it provisionally accepted the settlement agreement by a 4 to 0 vote, subject to public comment

According to CPSC, HSN knowingly failed to immediately report to CPSC, as required by law, that its Joy Mangano-brand My Little Steamer and My Little Steamer Go Mini contained a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury to consumers.

By the end of 2012 and continuing into 2019, HSN received numerous reports that the steamers would spray, expel, and/or leak hot water while in use, resulting in serious and permanent injuries, some of which constituted grievous bodily injury, CPSC said in announcing the settlement.

By the time HSN filed an initial report with the commission, HSN had received approximately 400 complaints of the steamers spraying or expelling hot water and approximately 700 additional reports of leaks, resulting in at least 91 reports of injury and 29 insurance claims alleging injuries, CPSC stated. These report included some for second and third-degree burns, scarring and one report of partial hearing loss.

In addition, from information in HSN Online Reviews, HSN had knowledge of approximately 500 complaints of the steamers spraying or expelling hot water and approximately 150 complaints of leaks, including 87 reports of injury.

HSN and CPSC jointly announced a recall of the steamers on May 26, 2021.

In addition to the $16 million penalty, the settlement agreement requires HSN to maintain internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act. HSN has also agreed to submit annual reports.

Source: CPSC

Topics Florida