Safety Update: CPSC Noms, Safety Week, and More

President Obama announced he will nominate two individuals to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Inez Moore Tenenbaum will be nominated as the chairman of the CPSC and Robert Adler will be nominated as a commissioner. The word around town is Obama wants a full commission (five members) in place by August. This is important because these new commissioners will almost certainly be involved in ongoing implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act (CPSIA), Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Sfety Act and other consumer protection issues facing the attractions industry.

Tenenbaum's background is mostly in education (having recently served as superintendent of education for South Carolina), health care, and the environment. Tenenbaum ran unsuccessfully against Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) in 2004.

Adler is a consumer protection veteran, serving in positions both within the CPSC and on the House Energy & Commerce Committee (which has jurisdiction over the CPSC) before joining the faculty at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to teach consumer protection, product liability, ethics, regulation, and negotiation at the Kenan-Flagler Business School. Adler is a member of the board of directors of the Consumers Union and served on the Obama transition team for the CPSC.

In other safety news, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing Thursday (May 14), examining the challenges faced by small businesses in complying with the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act. I'll be monitoring the hearing to see if anything comes out that could offer some relief to IAAPA members trying to comply with the CPSIA.

Finally, as the summer season starts to pick up, I hope you'll think about incorporating some of our safety education programs into your park's lineup. Attractions Safety Awareness Week (May 30-June 7) is a great way to showcase the diligence that goes into creating the safe fun found at amusement parks, waterparks, and other attractions. Take 25 (May 25) is a program aimed at increasing awareness of children's safety issues. Information on both programs, including tips and resources, is available on our web site.

Hope everyone has a fun, safe summer!