Recall: Hoist Exercise Benches Recalled for Finger Entrapment Hazard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2006
Release #06-149
Firm's Hotline: (866) 849-4797
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908


Hoist Exercise Benches Recalled for Finger Entrapment Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Hoist Exercise Benches

Units: About 48,000

Manufacturer: 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 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

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

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: 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



HOIST Fitness Systems:


Picture of HF140 Multi-Position Bench
Picture of HF142 Multi-Position Workout Bench


Picture of HF4163 Folding Flat Bench
Picture of HF4262 Folding Crunch Bench





Body Gear Fitness:


Picture of BG141 Multi-Position Workout Bench
Picture of BG143, BG143M Five-Position Bench