After failing to report safety defects on its battery-powered mowers, Black & Decker is playing a $1.575 million fine after agreeing to a settlement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and U.S. Justice Dept. The settlement marks the sixth time since 1986 that Black & Decker has paid fines for failing to report safety defects.
This most recent fine regarding battery-powered mower defects covers 11 years, beginning in 1998 when the company began receiving complaints the blades wouldn’t turn off even after the handles were released and safety key removed—and in some cases the blades would start spontaneously. At least two consumers were injured when blades started up while their mowers were being cleaned. According to reports, Black & Decker identified the defect in 2004, but waited until 2009 to report it to the CPSC. The company agreed to a recall of the machines in 2010.
In addition to the fine, Black & Decker must maintain an internal compliance program to ensure compliance with CPSC safety statutes and regulations and also will develop a system of internal controls and procedures including creating written standards and policies, allowing confidential employee reporting of compliance, and implementing corrective and preventive actions when compliance deficiencies or violations are identified.