CLARIFICATION An earlier version of this story said that a set of comments came from Kids in Danger. That organization jointly commented with Consumer Federation of America.
Three groups commented on CPSC's draft Strategic Plan for 2016-2020. They were UL, Kids in Danger and Consumer Federation of America (KID/CFA) jointly, and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Highlights of input on the four broad areas of planned focus included:
- Workforce: UL urged work with CPSC to improve mutual understanding of each other's processes. KID/CFA said that valuing scientific integrity, innovation, and collaboration are keys. AAP said CPSC should seek staffers with pediatric and child-development backgrounds.
- Prevention: UL sought steps to increase data sharing, offered aid on new CPSC staffers' ability to vote and lead standards panels (PSL, 2/1/16), and suggested it might be able to share data for import surveillance. KID/CFA sought continued priority for children's products and innovation in data use. AAP made specific suggestion for work on laundry packets, tip-overs, and microwave ovens.
- Response: UL raised the idea of its involvement (if allowed) on CPSC teams that decide issue priorities as well as possibly using its resources to aid recall effectiveness. KID/CFA saw improved data use and recall effectiveness as vital. AAP gave specific advice on numerous product areas.
- Communication: UL offered aid in developing and delivering messages as well as using data better. KID/CFA said increase social media presence is important. Safe sleep messaging improvements were AAP's focus.
The comments to the draft plan (PSL, 2/8/16) are on the regulations.gov website under docket CPSC-2016-0002.
