Now that spring has sprung in the Pittsburgh area it is highly likely that many residents are spending as much time as possible outside. For some this will mean taking to the sidewalks and trails to exercise. For others however, nothing sounds better than doing something a bit less strenuous like lounging in a hammock. While often billed as a relaxing activity, in some instances where hammock stands are used, the activity can result in an injury. This could occur when the stands are a defective product.

One business found its hammock stands as the subject of a recall in 2008. The Williams-Sonoma manufactured stands, which were made of wood, were sold through Pottery Barn. Over a five year period, approximately 30,000 of the stands were sold throughout the nation.

While in many cases products are recalled due to the possibility that a defect could cause an injury, in the case of these hammock stand at least 45 people were hurt. The reported injuries included bruises, cuts, broken ribs and pain to the neck and back. Some required medical attention. Despite receiving information regarding these recalls, the business reportedly failed to report the problem to the Consumer Product Safety Commission within the required 24 hours.

As a result of that failure to report Williams-Sonoma was assessed a $987,500 fine. The fine serves as a penalty to try to keep businesses in line when it comes to following safety protocols in place. The company must also maintain a safety program to ensure it is in compliance.

Source: MSN, "Collapsing hammock stands lead to fine," Mitch Lipka, May 6, 2013