Settlement Agreed in Defective Floor Cleaners Case

HMI Industries Inc., of Strongsville, Ohio, has agreed to pay $400,000 as a civil penalty to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

  • Jul 08, 2014

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published a settlement agreement that calls for HMI Industries Inc., of Strongsville, Ohio, to pay a $400,000 civil penalty for failing to inform the commission in a timely manner about defective pfroducts it had manufactured. The settlement has been provisionally accepted by the commission in a 2-1 vote, according to CPSC. The agreement says the civil penalty was set at $725,000 and HMI will pay $400,000, with $325,000 of the total amount suspended because the company is a small business and cannot pay a greater penalty "due to restrictions imposed by a tangible net worth covenant in an existing loan agreement."

The case involves about 44,000 Filter Queen Majestic 360 floor cleaners that were manufactured and distributed between September 2004 and August 2006. The units are defective because their wiring can overheat, causing electrical arcing and melting, and HMI was aware of this problem soon after distribution began, according to the agreement. The company received hundreds of reports of arcing, sparking, and fires from 2005 to 2008; it implemented four separate design changes to correct the problem and paid out claims filed by consumers who reported product failures had caused fires and/or property damage, the agreement states. But, although required to by federal law, HMI did not file a full report with the commission until February 2009. "By that date, HMI was aware of approximately 2,000 incidents of arcing involving the Floor Cleaners, approximately 120 reports of overheating and property damage, and injuries to two consumers. However, HMI advised [CPSC] staff that it knew of only 40 consumer complaints of overheating and damage to carpets, with no reports of injury," the agreement states.

HMI's agreement to the settlement does not constitute an admission that it violated the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars