Rayovac 312 – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-05-11 – A product safety incident involving Rayovac 312 hearing aid batteries has been reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) through its SaferProducts.gov database. The incident, filed by a consumer, describes a laceration hazard caused by the battery's packaging. The manufacturer, Energizer Battery Manufacturing Inc, faces scrutiny over the design of the product's plastic packaging, which reportedly produced sharp edges during normal use.

Product Details

Brand Name: Rayovac 312
Manufacturer: Energizer Battery Manufacturing Inc
Incident Report Number: 6007567
Severity Type Name: First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
Severity Type ID: 7

Incident Overview

On April 23, 2026, a consumer reported an injury while attempting to open a package of Rayovac 312 hearing aid batteries. According to the incident report filed with the CPSC (Report ID 6007567), the plastic packaging was so hard that when cut, it created sharp edges. The consumer, an older individual, sustained deep cuts to their skin from these edges. The severity of the injury required first aid administered by a non-medical professional, as classified by the CPSC's severity scale.

The incident highlights a design defect in the packaging, which the consumer described as excessively hard and prone to producing sharp shards upon cutting. The consumer used the product as intended—opening the battery pack to access the batteries—and the injury occurred during that routine action. No prior issues with the product were mentioned in the report, and the packaging was retained by the consumer as evidence. The report does not specify where the product was purchased or provide additional retailer information.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: The primary hazard is laceration from sharp plastic edges. When the hard plastic packaging is cut, it can fracture into shards with razor-like edges capable of causing deep cuts. In this incident, the consumer's skin was cut deeply, requiring first aid. Such injuries can involve significant bleeding and potential damage to underlying tissues, especially in individuals with fragile skin, such as the elderly.

Who Might Be Affected: Older adults and individuals with thin or fragile skin are at heightened risk because their skin is more susceptible to deep cuts from sharp edges. Additionally, anyone handling the packaging—including caregivers or family members—could be injured. Children, if present, may also be at risk if they attempt to open the package.

Warning Signs: There may be no visible warning before the packaging produces sharp edges. The hazard manifests during the cutting process itself. Consumers may notice that the plastic is unusually hard or difficult to cut, which could indicate a higher likelihood of shattering. Once cut, the edges should be inspected for sharpness before handling.

Environmental Triggers: The hardness of the plastic appears to be a material property, not significantly influenced by environmental conditions. However, cold temperatures can make plastics more brittle, potentially increasing the risk of sharp shards. Conversely, heat may soften the plastic slightly, but the design itself—using a hard plastic that fractures—is the root cause.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using Immediately: If you own Rayovac 312 hearing aid batteries with similar hard plastic packaging, stop opening them until you can take precautions. The packaging may pose a laceration risk.
Use Safe Opening Methods: Consider using heavy-duty scissors or a utility knife with a sharp blade to cut the packaging in a controlled manner, away from your body. Wear protective gloves if possible to reduce the risk of cuts.
Preserve the Product: Keep the packaging and any remaining batteries in a safe place. Do not discard them, as they may be important evidence if you decide to report the incident or seek legal recourse.
Seek Medical Attention: If you are cut by the packaging, clean the wound thoroughly and apply first aid. For deep cuts, seek medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Report to the CPSC: File a report on SaferProducts.gov to help regulators track hazards and potentially initiate a recall. Include details about the product and the injury.
Check for Recalls: Visit CPSC.gov to see if any recalls have been issued for Rayovac 312 or similar hearing aid batteries.

If you have suffered an injury or property damage from this product, you may wish to speak with a product liability attorney to discuss your legal options.

Manufacturer's Response

The manufacturer's official response to this specific incident report is not publicly available at the time of this writing.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California-based product liability law firm dedicated to helping consumers injured by defective products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team offers free consultations to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. If you or a loved one was injured by Rayovac 312 or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.