As we approach the two-year anniversary of Vornado’s $7.5 million civil penalty for failing to report to CPSC the serious fire hazards posed by its space heaters,^[1] yesterday, Vornado recalled two million steamers that can expel hot water and scald consumers.^[2]  Just two months ago, Vornado expanded a recall of one of its steamers, recalling 1.75 million units beyond the 317,000 steamers recalled in April of 2023 due to fire, burn, and electric shock hazards.^[3] 

I am troubled by this pattern.  I believe that it’s time for the company’s leadership to take a hard look at their priorities and to place a greater emphasis on safety.  Consumers notice when a company’s name is repeatedly in the headlines for safety recalls or noncompliance.  Without a change, Vornado runs the risk of its brand becoming synonymous with safety hazards.  I urge Vornado to reassess its safety culture in light of the recent pattern of recalls for serious hazards. 

[1] “Vornado Agrees to Pay $7.5 Million Civil Penalty for Failure to Immediately Report Space Heaters Posing a Fire Hazard,” Consumer Product Safety Commission (Jul. 7, 2022) (available at: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2022/Vornado-Agrees-to-Pay-7-5-Million-Civil-Penalty-for-Failure-to-Immediately-Report-Space-Heaters-Posing-a-Fire-Hazard).

[2] “Vornado Recalls Two Million Handheld Garment Steamers Due to Serious Burn Hazard,” Consumer Product Safety Commission (Feb. 8, 2024) (available at: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Vornado-Recalls-Two-Million-Handheld-Garment-Steamers-Due-to-Serious-Burn-Hazard).

[3] “Vornado Expands Recall to Include Additional 1.75 Million Steamfast Travel Steam Irons Due to Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards,” Consumer Product Safety Commission (Dec. 14, 2023) (available at: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Vornado-Expands-Recall-to-Include-Additional-1-75-Million-Steamfast-Travel-Steam-Irons-Due-to-Fire-Burn-and-Shock-Hazards).