WASHINGTON, D.C. - U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum today has established a new Chairman's Commendation Circle Award program to identify and honor people and organizations that have made significant contributions to consumer product safety.
“There are many people out there working hard to make products safer,” says CPSC Chairman, Inez Tenenbaum. “I want to recognize the innovators, highlight those who demonstrate a relentless commitment to product safety, and show appreciation to those who are out there saving lives and preventing injuries like we strive to do every day at CPSC.”
Starting today, nominations will be accepted consisting of a cover form available online, a description of the individual or organization, a description of how and to what extent the nominee has contributed to improving consumer product safety and a summary of additional information. Up to three letters of support or other supporting documents also can be provided. Additional details are available at www.cpsc.gov/award
A panel of CPSC staff will screen nominations and forward recommendations to the Chairman. The Chairman will make the final selection of award winners from the candidates presented. The announcement of awardees will be made on a date to be determined.
Qualifying candidates can be individuals, organizations, businesses, state or local government or other groups residing in or outside of the United States. Completed nominations must be received at CPSC by March 31, 2011.
Anonymous and self nominations will not be considered.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.