What Product Safety

Product safety is the process of ensuring that products are safe for consumers to use. This can involve a variety of activities, such as:

* Designing products with safety in mind. This includes considering the potential hazards of a product and taking steps to mitigate those hazards. For example, a toy manufacturer might design a toy with rounded edges to avoid sharp points that could cut a child.

* Testing products to ensure they meet safety standards. This involves conducting tests to verify that products meet the requirements of applicable safety standards. For example, a car manufacturer might test a car's brakes to ensure they meet federal safety standards.

* Providing consumers with information about product safety. This includes providing instructions on how to use products safely and warnings about potential hazards. For example, a drug manufacturer might provide a patient information leaflet with a prescription drug that includes instructions on how to take the drug and warnings about potential side effects.

Product safety is important for a number of reasons.

1. *To protect consumers from injuries and illness.* Unsafe products can cause serious injuries and even death.

2. *To protect businesses from liability.* Businesses can be held liable for injuries and illnesses caused by their products.

3. *To maintain consumer confidence.* Consumers are more likely to purchase products from companies that they believe are committed to safety.

Product safety is a shared responsibility. Manufacturers, retailers, and consumers all play a role in ensuring that products are safe.

Manufacturers are responsible for designing and manufacturing products that are safe for consumers to use. They must also test products to ensure they meet safety standards and provide consumers with information about product safety.

Retailers are responsible for selling safe products and for providing consumers with information about product safety. They must also ensure that products are stored and displayed safely.

Consumers are responsible for reading and understanding product safety information and for using products safely.

_Working together, we can help to ensure that products are safe for consumers to use_

Product safety legislation sets out the legal requirements for product safety.