CPSC Recall in 2006: Hoist Exercise Benches Recalled for Finger Entrapment Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hoist Fitness Systems Inc. (also doing business as Body Gear), of San Diego, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 48,000 Hoist Exercise Benches. 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.Name of Product: Hoist Exercise BenchesUnits: About 48,000Manufacturer: Hoist Fitness Systems Inc., also does business as Body Gear, of San Diego, Calif.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.Incidents/Injuries: Hoist has received two reports of injury, one consisting of a hand laceration and the other consisting of a partially amputated finger.Description: 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 ProductModel NumberHoist "5 Position Fold-Up Bench"HF-140HF-142Body Gear by Hoist "5 Position Fold-Up Bench"BG-141BG-143Hoist "Folding Flat Bench"HF-4163Hoist "Folding Ab-Crunch Bench"HF-4262Sold at: Specialty dealer stores and large sporting goods retailers nationwide from February 2004 through January 2006 for between $100 and $300.Manufactured In: ChinaRemedy: 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.Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hoist toll-free at (866) 849-4797 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.hoistfitness.com or www.bodygearfitness.com -- consumers can also e-mail the firm at benchrecall@hoistfitness.com or benchrecall@bodygearfitness.com.

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.

Refund

Hoist has received two reports of injury, one consisting of a hand laceration and the other consisting of a partially amputated finger.

Specialty dealer stores and large sporting goods retailers nationwide from February 2004 through January 2006 for between $100 and $300.

China