Personal Injury Law

EB Brands Recalls Fitness Balls Due To Fall Hazard

By Chrissie Cole

EB Brands, of Yonkers, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has voluntarily recalled about three million fitness balls sold under the following brand names - Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit Fitness Balls.

If over-inflated, the ball can burst during use and cause serious injury to the user.

To date, the company has received 47 reports of the fitness balls bursting including multiple reports of bruises and one report of a fracture.

The recalled fitness balls come in 55-, 65- and 75-cm diameter sizes. They were sold at department stores and retailers nationwide from May 2000 to February 2009. They come in various different colors and include a pump and inflation instructions.

Although the action is termed as a recall, the company will not be taking the balls back unless they have burst. Rather, the CPSC advises Consumers to contact EB Brands for updated instructions on how to safely inflate the ball.

Basic user guidelines:

Before use, inspect the ball for any damage, warns spots, cracks or foreign objects that may harm the surface. If there is any sign of damage, DO NOT attempt to use or repair the ball.

Inflate the ball only as described. Improper inflation may cause damage to the ball.

The ball should be inflated with the pump that is included with the product only. An air compressor should not be used.

Do not inflate larger than the ball's maximum inflation size.

Do not use the ball if it's over-inflated or expanded to a size greater than the correct size.

Full instructions can be found on EB Brand's Web site here.

Consumers should contact EB Brands directly with questions at (800) 624-5671 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday – Friday, or visiting EB Brand's Web site. #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on April 17, 2009 (boomark / email).