The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·06149·Announced 2006-04-26

Hoist Exercise Benches Recalled for Finger Entrapment and Amputation Hazards

Hoist Fitness Systems is recalling about 48,000 exercise benches because the front frame can fail to lock, posing a risk of finger entrapment, laceration, and amputation.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a significant injury report, specifically a partially amputated finger, which meets the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Hoist Fitness Systems Inc., doing business as Body Gear, is recalling approximately 48,000 free-standing exercise benches sold nationwide between February 2004 and January 2006. The recalled models include the Hoist 5-Position Fold-Up Bench (HF-140, HF-142), BodyGear 5-Position Fold-Up Bench (BG-141, BG-143), Hoist Folding Flat Bench (HF-4163), and Hoist Folding Ab-Crunch Bench (HF-4262). These benches feature white, gray, or black steel bases with black vinyl seats and backrests, and were sold at specialty dealer stores and large sporting goods retailers for between $100 and $300.

The recall is due to a defect where the front frame assembly, which includes the foot rest, can fail to lock into place. This failure allows users who grab the bench to position themselves to get their fingers entrapped between the front and back frame assemblies, creating hazards for laceration and amputation. Hoist has received two reports of injury associated with this defect: one involving a hand laceration and the other involving a partially amputated finger.

Consumers should check the serial number on the white sticker located behind the seat of their bench to determine if it is included in this recall. If the serial number is affected, users should stop using the bench immediately. Owners of the Hoist Folding Flat Bench should contact Hoist to return the bench for a full refund. Owners of other affected models should contact Hoist to arrange to receive a free repair kit. For more information, consumers can contact Hoist toll-free at (866) 849-4797 or visit www.hoistfitness.com or www.bodygearfitness.com.

The recalled product

Product
Hoist Exercise Benches
Affected units
48,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.