I want to address the important responsibilities CPSC has to the industries it regulates including conducting investigations in a fair and professional manner, without harassment or retaliation. In carrying out our mission, CPSC staff is required to make many decisions and take many actions involving complex enforcement, legal and factual issues. Given our responsibilities, CPSC staff must make every effort to continue to avoid even the appearance of unfairness or retaliatory action.
Companies are free to vigorously challenge the Commission's positions and requirements. In context, potential questions about the fairness of agency proceedings and retaliatory actions against companies, which challenge or criticize the agency, can be raised.
Because of the critical importance of these issues, CPSC staff are required to immediately report any allegation of retaliation to Office of the Executive Director. In addition, anyone with concerns about retaliation or related issues should contact, or be referred to the Office of the Executive Director. Matters will be treated in confidence, and the Office of the Executive Director will work with other agency offices to address all relevant issues.