70,000 Outdoor Chairs Recalled by Popular Decor Brand for “Crushing and Amputation Hazards”
Updated: Jun. 26, 2024
This doesn't only apply to new purchases: After three reported medical emergencies, the recall affects patio furniture bought as far back as 2014.
We’ve all experienced that jaw-jarring Thud! when a lounge chair’s upright position doesn’t slot gracefully into the back-of-chair brackets. In the case of one well-known home decor brand, the consequence of such a design flaw could be not only a little embarrassing, but possibly hazardous to human safety.
Frontgate is a popular homewares retailer that’s arguably a comp to brands like Grandin Road and Ballard Designs, complete with the online and catalog shopping options, as well as in-store in some US regions. In recent days, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published an announcement that Frontgate was recalling “about 70,000” folding chaise lounges (with the product name “Frontgate Resort Collection Newport Aluminum and Teak Chaises,” which appear similar to those pictured above) that were sold between February 2014 and December 2023. Customers purchased the loungers online at Frontgate.com and via Frontgate catalogues, as well as in-store in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. The chairs were manufactured in China by an Ohio-based company called Cinmar, LLC and were priced between $600 and $1,400.
The first of two SKUs for the recalled chairs is 67333, which was sold in pairs in the following color choices: architectural bronze, champagne silver, cobalt, matte black and matte white. The second SKU is 166218, sold in pairs of weathered or natural finishes.
The reason for the recall is the following, according to the CPSC: “Cinmar has received three reports of incidents involving consumers’ fingers becoming entrapped between the adjustable backrest and the chair frame, resulting in two partial finger amputation injuries, and one finger-crushing injury requiring surgery.”
It’s not clear when these customer incidents occurred, but the announcement states injuries are caused due to the following: “When adjusting the backrest while seated, the adjustable backrest can unexpectedly descend with force, posing finger crushing and amputation hazards.”
In an attempt to remedy, to customers who submit a photo of the chairs the company is offering free repair kits that include a new backrest support bar and assembly instructions. The CPSC’s announcement adds: “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chaise lounge chairs, and contact Cinmar for a free repair.” Contact information for the company is listed as 888-298-4651 or online at www.frontgate.com/newportchaiserecall.
One more caution to keep in mind this summer—also read New Data: More Than 50% of Americans Never Learned This Life-or-Death Skill.
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Originally Published: June 26, 2024
