Weider Sporting Goods, Inc. Announces Repair Program For Exercise Benches

PRODUCT: Approximately 71,000 Weider Sporting Goods, Inc. E-130 Series Exercise Benches. Models affected in the repair program are: E130, E131, E131B, E133, E134, and E137.

PROBLEM: Weider Sporting Goods, Inc. has received at least 38 reports of minor bruises, cuts, serious lacerations, and partially amputated fingers to consumers using the affected exercise benches. A hazard is created when the user grabs the end support bar and places a finger in the open space between the end bar and leg extension bar. As the user begins exercising and raises the leg extension bar, the space is greatly reduced, causing finger entrapment and injury.

WHAT TO DO: Stop using the exercise benches immediately until you receive a replacement cap attachment. A free replacement cap attachment is available directly from the place of purchase or by calling 1-800-685-5480. Consumers may also write to: Weider Sporting Goods, Inc., P.O. Box 68, Olney, IL 62450 to request the replacement cap attachment.

WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Weider Sporting Goods, Inc., of Woodland Hills, CA, announces that a voluntary repair program for certain E-130 Series Exercise Benches has been implemented. The moving part of the leg extension bar has entrapped consumers' fingers, resulting in serious lacerations and partially amputated fingers.

Weider Sporting Goods, Inc. has received at least 38 reports of minor bruises, cuts, serious lacerations, and partially amputated fingers to consumers using the affected exercise benches. While performing the leg extention exercise, a consumer may remove his or her hands from the sides of the bench and grab the top of the leg extension bar. If the user's finger is placed in the open space between the end bar and leg extension bar, it can be trapped when the leg extension bar is raised.

This repair program, which was initiated in March 1992, only applies to certain E-130 series benches with right angle leg extensions. Affected model numbers are: E130, E131, E131B, E133, E134 and E137. The benches were distributed from April 1991 through December 1991. Approximately 71,000 units were distributed to retail stores throughout the United States. The exercise benches were sold to consumers for approximately $80 each.

To avoid injury, Weider Sporting Goods, Inc. is offering a free replacement cap attachment. Consumers should ensure that the cap is securely snapped into place and is not removed. The cap can be obtained by contacting Weider Customer Service toll- free at 1-800-685-5480. Consumers may also write to: Customer Service, Weider Sporting Goods, Inc., P.O. Box 68, Olney, IL 62450.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this repair program as a part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.