Cribs Repaired by Bassett

Entrapment Strangulation

The notice gives no remedy in a field of its own.

Cribs Repaired by Bassett The terms of the agreement require Bassett to undertake an extensive remedial action program and to pay a $175,000 civil penalty. The firm estimates that the cost of the program, including the civil penalty, could be as high as $1 million. Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Virginia, is the manufacturer of the “Candlelite” and “Mandalay” style cribs which reported have caused six infant deaths since 1977. CPSC staff believes that the crib design is such that infants can trap their heads between a corner post and the headboard (or footboard) and strangle as they stand on the crib mattress. The agreement pertains to the “Mandalay” crib models 5126-505, 5621-505 and 5225-505, and to “Candlelite” models 5028-505, 5028-510, 5127-505 and 5127-510. The model numbers can be found on an adhesive label affixed to the inside of the headboard below the mattress level. “Mandalay” cribs manufactured February, 1974, to October, 1976, sold nationwide for approximately $100 to $125 in retail stores. The “Candlelite” cribs sold for approximately $100 , produced from December, 1975, to mid-October, 1977. Consumers who own one of these cribs which has not yet been modified immediately should contact Bassett to obtain a free repair kit or instructions for eliminating the hazard. Consumers can contact Bassett at its toll-free number l-800-336-5223. (In Virginia, collect telephone call to Bassett at (703) 629-7511, extension 340). In its proposed complaint against Bassett, CPSC staff alleged that the two crib styles pose a substantial risk of strangulation injuries or death to infants. The “Mandalay” cribs could present a strangulation hazard but failed to report to CPSC staff. In entering into the consent agreement, Bassett does not admit that it had an obligation to report, that reportable information exists, or that the product presented a substantial hazard. Bassett had been undertaking corrective action since February, 1978 to locate and modify the potentially hazardous cribs. Despite its efforts, approximately 4,700 “Mandalay” style cribs (out of an estimated 5,800 produced) and about 400 “Candlelite” cribs (of 1,654 produced) still may not have been modified to eliminate the hazard. The central part of the consent agreement requires Bassett to take the unprecedented step of sending hazard notifications by direct mail to all parents who have had children within the previous 21 months. This mailing is expected to include more than four million parents of infants and young children. In addition, Bassett will purchase advertising space in “TV Guide” and “Family Circle” magazines, in which they will run l/2-page advertisements warning consumers of the potential crib hazard. These magazines have a combined total readership of more than 27 million people. As an added incentive to consumers, Bassett will pay a $5 cash award to anyone who identifies the location of an unmodified crib, once its repair has been verified. Bassett further has agreed to mail posters which describe the crib hazard and the needed safety modification to all obstetricians and gynecologists practicing in the U.S., as well as to all pediatric and maternity clinics, for display in their offices. As part of its earlier voluntary corrective action with CPSC, Bassett already has distributed posters to approximately 25,000 pediatricians and to some medical clinics. In addition, Bassett agreed to pay a civil penalty of $175,000 settlement of CPSC staff’s allegation that the firm failed promptly to report the alleged defect in the cribs. The Commission will vote whether to give final approval to the agreement following a seven-day public comment period which opens on February 14, when the agreement is published in the Federal Register

Bassett Candlelite cribs and Bassett Mandalay cribs.