Settlement Reached with Sears Over Dangerous Stoves

By Sophia Brink

Published on February 21, 2008

Sears has agreed to install safety brackets on stoves that were purchased between July 2000 and September 2007 to prevent the appliances from tipping over. It is estimated that approximately 4 million stoves were sold during this time.

The consumer group Public Citizen estimates that over 100 people have been killed or injured as a result of tipping stoves. Many of today's stoves are lighter than older models and can tip over if not secured by brackets. Injuries may be caused by spilled liquids and foods. Users can also be crushed by the weight of falling stoves.

While the president of Public Citizen has called the settlement a step in the right direction, she believes that the Consumer Product Safety Commission needs to take further action to protect consumers. The installation of anti-tipping devices should be mandatory, she says.

A spokesman for the safety commission, on the other hand, says the agency believes that the voluntary safety measures are sufficient.

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