OfficeMax Recalls Office Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

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

Name of Product: Office Max Task Chairs

Units: About 216,000

Importer: OfficeMax Inc., of Naperville, Ill.

Hazard: The back and the base post of the chair can break while in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: OfficeMax has received about 35 reports of the chair backs or posts breaking, including 15 reports of injuries involving lacerations, muscle strains, contusions and concussions.

Description: The recall involves OfficeMax Task Chairs with model numbers OM182 and OM96614. The model number is located under the chair’s seat on a white UPC label. The chairs are charcoal or dark charcoal in color and have black plastic arms and a rolling plastic and metal base.

Sold at: OfficeMax stores nationwide, on the firm’s Web site www.officemax.com, in OfficeMax catalogs, and through direct commercial sales to businesses from September 2003 through July 2008 for between $40 and $65.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and return them to any OfficeMax store for a full refund or a $55 gift card if the consumer does not have a receipt.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact OfficeMax at (800) 283-7674 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.officemax.com