The Tampa Tribune
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A group of retired and active firefighters have sued the maker and distributor of their city-issued helmets, saying design flaws have led to injury.
The five firefighters say the helmets they were given a few years ago, the 1044 Cairns model manufactured by Pennsylvania-based Mine Safety Appliance Co. and distributed by Bradenton-based Ten-8 Fire Equipment Inc., were designed poorly and caused neck and head injuries.
“The problem with the design is that they’re heavier than the other helmets, and they’re not as balanced,” said New Port Richey attorney Jim Magazine, who likened the situation to top-heavy bobblehead toys. “This helmet’s a recipe for disaster.”
Full story: St. Petersburg firefighters sue, claiming helmets cause injuries