Products Liability Law Daily Wrap Up, CPSC NEWS—TOOLS AND HARDWARE—DOJ, CPSC file complaint against Stanley Black & Decker over reporting delays, (Jan 2, 2026)

By WK Editorial Staff

The company failed to provide timely notice of safety hazards associated with its utility bars and miter saws, the agencies assert.

The Department of Justice, in coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), filed a civil enforcement action against Stanley Black & Decker (US) Inc. for alleged violations of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, accuses the company of failing to promptly report safety hazards linked to certain utility bars and miter saws (DOJ Press Release, No. 25-1232 (Dec. 22, 2025)).

Utility bars. According to the filing, Black & Decker began manufacturing utility bars in December 2015 and soon received multiple reports of the bars breaking unexpectedly during use and snapping back at the users. These incidents, which included serious injuries, were reported by consumers and a national retailer. However, the company did not notify CPSC until May 2019.

Miter saws. The complaint also alleges that between 2019 and 2022, Black & Decker received hundreds of reports of defects in its miter saws, including broken rear protective guards and plastic deflectors. Some incidents resulted in injuries such as facial and finger lacerations. The company delayed reporting these issues to CPSC until June 2022.

Legal action. Federal authorities are seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief to prevent future violations. The CPSA mandates that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers immediately report defects that pose substantial hazards or unreasonable risks of serious injury or death. Black & Decker has previously resolved other government allegations of delayed reporting, including through a stipulated court order in 2015.

Statements from officials. “Companies must report safety issues in consumer products immediately, as the law requires,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate. Acting CPSC Chairman Peter A. Feldman added that the agency will use “the full weight of our authorities” to protect consumers, particularly in cases involving repeat offenders.

Case management. This matter is being handled by Assistant Director Zachary Dietert, Senior Trial Attorney Joshua Fowkes, and Trial Attorneys Paulina Stamatelos and Nicole Frazer of the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Koch of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, in coordination with CPSC staff.

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