Safety regulator, Hoist Exercise Benches Recalled for Finger Entrapment Hazard
Recall 06149 · Apr 26, 2006 · Hoist Fitness Systems Inc., also does business as Body Gear
48,000
units affected
48,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 06149
- Date
- Apr 26, 2006
- Company
- Hoist Fitness Systems Inc., also does business as Body Gear
- Units affected
- 48,000
- Product
- Hoist Exercise Benches
- Product type
- Exercise Machines/Equipment
- Hazard
- Entrapment
The product
The recalled exercise benches are free-standing and typically used for free weight workouts. They have white, gray, or black steel bases, with a black vinyl bench seat and backrest. The Hoist "5-Position Fold-Up Bench," "Folding Flat Bench," and "Folding Ab-Crunch Bench" are included in this recall. Although the bench names and model numbers do not appear on the benches, the serial number is located on a white sticker behind the seat of the bench. Only benches with certain serial numbers are included in this recall. Name of Product Model Number Hoist "5-Position Fold-Up Bench" HF-140 HF-142 BodyGear by Hoist "5-Position Fold-Up Bench" BG-141 BG-143 Hoist "Folding Flat Bench" HF-4163 Hoist "Folding Ab-Crunch Bench" HF-4262
What can happen
The bench's front frame assembly (with the foot rest) can fail to lock into place, allowing users who grab the bench to position themselves to get their fingers entrapped between the front and back frame assemblies. This poses laceration and amputation hazards.
The fix
Consumers should contact Hoist Fitness to see if their bench's serial number is included in this recall. If it is, stop using the recalled exercise bench and arrange to receive a free repair kit. Consumers who own the Hoist "Folding Flat Bench" should contact Hoist to return the bench for a full refund.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Hoist has received two reports of injury, one consisting of a hand laceration and the other consisting of a partially amputated finger.
- Sold at
- Specialty dealer stores and large sporting goods retailers nationwide, from February 2004 through January 2006, for between $100 and $300.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled hoist exercise benches?
Consumers should contact Hoist Fitness to see if their bench's serial number is included in this recall. If it is, stop using the recalled exercise bench and arrange to receive a free repair kit. Consumers who own the Hoist "Folding Flat Bench" should contact Hoist to return the bench for a full refund.
What is the hazard?
The bench's front frame assembly (with the foot rest) can fail to lock into place, allowing users who grab the bench to position themselves to get their fingers entrapped between the front and back frame assemblies. This poses laceration and amputation hazards.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.