Wal-Mart Fined $750,000 for Exercise Equipment Safety Defects

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2003 -- Wal-Mart has agreed to pay a fine of $750,000 for failing to report safety hazards associated with Weider and Weslo brand home exercise equipment.

It's the first time a retailer has paid a penalty for failing to report a safety problem where the retailer was not also an importer or private labeler of the product involved. Under the settlement, Wal-Mart also agreed to establish internal recordkeeping and monitoring systems to keep track of information about product safety hazards.

Wal-Mart failed to report hazards with Weider and Weslo exercise gliders, despite knowing of at least 29 consumers who were injured while trying out the gliders in Wal-Mart stores across the country. The injuries included fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, and a compression injury to a woman's spine.

In November 2001, Icon Health & Fitness Inc., the manufacturer of the gliders, agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty for failing to inform the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in a timely manner of 86 incidents and 68 injuries involving the same exercise equipment.

The injuries were the result of a defect in the arm supporting the seat on the exercise gliders that can disconnect during use, causing the user to fall abruptly. That settlement also required Icon to establish internal recordkeeping and monitoring systems to keep track of information about product safety hazards.

"This case demonstrates that retailers, like manufacturers, importers, and distributors, are required to report consumer product defects and injuries to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in a timely manner, and that there are penalties for those who fail to do so," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Prompt and timely reporting by companies will allow us to act swiftly to protect consumers from injuries."

In April 1999, CPSC and Icon jointly announced a recall of the gliders. Consumers are advised to stop using the Weider Shape Glider (Model WECR 4306), the Weider Power Glide (Model WECR 4406), and the Weslo Shape Trainer (Model WLCR 4356) immediately and call or write Icon Health & Fitness for a free repair kit. Consumers can call Icon at (800) 999-3756 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or write to Icon Health & Fitness Inc., Attn: Customer Service Department, 1550 South 100-0 West, Logan, Utah 84321-8206.

Back to the top | News