U.S. groups call on retailers to fix oven safety

By Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Appliance retailers that sell and install ovens are putting consumers at risk by not installing safety brackets that prevent tipping of newer, lighter-weight ranges, U.S. consumer groups warned on Thursday.

The groups called on sellers, which include Sears Holding Corp., Lowe's Cos Inc. and Home Depot Inc., to notify consumers about the design flaw that they said affects 15 to 20 percent of households.

New lighter-gauge steel ovens began to replace heavier models in the 1980s as a way for manufacturers to curb costs, according to Public Citizen, U.S. PIRG and the Consumer Federation of America. But as a result, they can tip over when weight is put on an open oven door.

More than 100 cases of deaths and injuries from such accidents -- which can cause scalding and burns --- have been reported, the groups said.

The problem could be avoided if retailers installed simple L-shaped brackets that help keep ovens in place, they added.

"While retailers are all aware of the safety hazard, the delivery people they contract with are often not equipped or trained to perform the installation service, and the sales people rarely mention the issue to the buyer," the groups said in a statement.

Documents obtained from a related lawsuit against Sears showed the brackets were installed in just 5 percent of ovens sold by the company, according to the groups.

Representatives for Sears did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Jerry Shields, a spokesman for Home Depot, said the products it sells come with the brackets and are supposed to be installed for free by its delivery and installation vendor, General Electric Co..

Lowes spokeswoman Chris Ahearn said the company tells consumers about the brackets if they buy an oven to install themselves. Since 2002, "if we install an oven, we install the brackets," she added.

Both Home Depot and Lowes said they were not aware of any complaints about products sold from their stores.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPS) has known about the risk since 1984 but has not taken steps to require retailers to install the brackets or alert consumers, the groups said.

Representatives for the commission could not be reached.

The issue is also drawing interest from some members of Congress investigating the matter.

U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. John Dingell and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak last month asked CSPS to provide any related records, including reports of injuries and complaints.

The Michigan Democrats asked for the documents by March 28. Representatives for the committee did not immediately return calls seeking comment.