Category: Latest
The growing involvement of Bosch in the Volkswagen Emission Scandal
One of the first things we looked at was the technicalities behind how Volkswagen had developed intelligent software to basically know when a vehicle is being tested, and know when it’s not.
The science behind it is easy to grasp – the tests are so linear and standard that the technology knows when the car is being tested, by knowing things like steering patterns; speed; longevity of the drive; temperatures, etc.
But, whilst the parameters are easy to recognise, the technology is a pretty sophisticated piece of kit.
And that’s where Bosch comes in.
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The CMA are investigating a merger between children toy suppliers VTech and LeapFrog
Children’s toys and tech are expensive enough. Parents don’t need any reminders that the cost some of the latest toys and gadgets can attract, especially in peak times around Christmas.
So, although any merger situation is likely to be investigated by the CMA, to ensure competition is never adversely affected, it could be even more appropriate when it comes to pricey toys.
The CMA are looking in to the completed acquisition by VTech Holdings Limited of LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. in this case.
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Mazda recall 190,000 vehicles in the U.S. over reported steering control loss defect
Mazda are recalling 190,000 CX-7 sport vehicles after a potentially dangerous steering control problem was identified which could lead to a driver losing control of the steering function.
Water can reportedly enter the front suspension ball joint fittings which may then lead to corrosion and separation of joints, and eventually steering control loss.
The affected vehicles are said to have been manufactured between February 2006 and May 2012
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Tullett Prebon and ICAP merger inquiry
In June, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that the anticipated acquisition of ICAP PLC by Tullett Prebon of the voice/hybrid broking business may result in a substantial lessening of competition.
The CMA said it would be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation unless an acceptable undertaking was offered by Tullet Prebon.
The two parties, Tullet and ICAP, both overlap in the supply of wholesale intermediary services, mainly in voice/hybrid broking services to institutions that trade financially, and commodity instruments over the counter as well as in exchange based markets.
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Draeger Medical Ventilation circuits may leak at check valve
Disposable Paediatric ventilation circuits manufactured by Draeger Medical up to March 2016 may leak at the check valve. This puts children at risk of re-breathing exhaled gases, and has triggered MHRA intervention.
Since it has been discovered, Draeger Medical has issued a notice to all those who have, and still use, the device that requires them to identify and quarantine the affected circuits and to return them to Draeger Medical for replacement.
If the circuits have already been disposed of, Draeger Medical still needs to be informed in order to send a replacement. Draeger Medical are to be contacted to acknowledge receipt of the FSN even if you do not have the defected device in stock.
If no alternatives are available, Draeger Medical recommends carrying out a risk assessment in guidance with the FSN. All healthcare workers who use the devices are expected to carry out these actions between 17th of August 2016 and 3rd October 2016, and a suggested distribution list can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Company expose St Alban’s family to asbestos risk
Asbestos has affected thousands of people and damages have run in to the millions of pounds for those who have sought compensation. All in all, asbestos as a legal action has been one of the most significant in the UK, and across the world.
To this day, we are still seeing new cases and stories crop up which is a combination of a lack of knowledge about the locations of asbestos; a lack of safeguarding for buildings where asbestos has been used; and because the symptoms of asbestos related illnesses often take years to appear.
In this recent story, a family of four and two workmen in St Albans were put at risk by a Hertfordshire based home improvement company – Ace of Hearts Home Improvement Limited as they attempted to remove asbestos containing material from the domestic property improperly.
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Babytherm Infant Warmer at risk of fire
It was discovered that when in “skin-temperature control mode” on Babytherm thermometers, if the temperature sensor is not connected to, or detaches from, the patient, the heating element can cause overheating.
This overheating can cause particles to detach, releasing hot particles. This can lead to a fire and could cause patients harm or even death.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has provided advice and warnings as a result of the findings.
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False results from HIV testing devices investigation
It has been discovered that certain devices manufactured by Hangzhou Biotest Biotech Co Ltd were giving incorrect results – false positives and / or false negatives – when testing for HIV, HCV and HBV.
These tests are used in professional clinical settings, which include Sexual health clinics, General Practitioners, Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, health care professionals using the devices, and purchasing managers.
Obviously this is a serious concern, particularly where someone has been given a negative diagnosis when they may actually be positive.
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Group Action Lawyers for 56 Dean Street
The Group Action Lawyers are acting for a large proportion of those claiming for the 56 Dean Street data leak from September 2015.
On the 1st of September an NHS sexual health clinic in Soho made the mistake of sending out a newsletter to over 700 users of a HIV service. The email did not mask the names and addresses of the other recipients, resulting in people seeing each other’s personal and confidential details.
This has been seen by most as the worst NHS data leak in history, and it has had an understandably profound affect on those who were involved.
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Class action against MasterCard for anti-competitive behaviour
A £19 billion class action has been launched against MasterCard due to alleged anti-competitive credit card fees.
This Autumn, lawyers will be appearing at a Competition Appeal Tribunal in order to gain permission for them to bring a class claim forward on an opt-out basis for those affected by MasterCard’s alleged anti-competitive behaviour.
By bringing a claim on an opt-out basis, those that have been affected by the MasterCard anti-competitive behaviour can automatically become a part of the class bringing a claim forward unless they decided to opt-out of making a claim.
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