Safety Cover Offered for Motors of Sears Vacuum Cleaners

A safety cover for motors of various models of Sears Kenmore vacuum cleaners is being offered by Whirlpool Corp., maker of the machines, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Wednesday.

The safety program follows reports of 19 people suffering finger injuries. The hazard occurs if fingers are placed in an opening at the top of the motor, after the canister has been opened and the motor filter removed, while the motor is running, officials said.

To help prevent this type of accident, Whirlpool is offering a free stick-on safety screen to cover the opening in the motor, a spokesman said.