Product safety

Injuries from the use of consumer products are common, frequently serious and sometimes fatal.  Given the complexity and interconnectedness of today’s global marketplace, there appears to be a disconnection between product safety realities and consumer expectations.  

Survey results have shown that the vast majority of Canadians believe that if a product is available for sale on the market, it is safe or has been tested for safety.  Regrettably, this is not necessarily the case in Canada, particularly for children’s products.  In fact, there are a variety of consumer products, including many children’s products, which do not have any standards or regulations.  The result is an increasing risk of product-related injuries to children and youth due to age, cognitive abilities and developmental stage.

What works to prevent product related injuries?

Education

The “3 S" guide
Size: For smaller children, choose bigger products. Children under three years of age tend to put things in their mouths, up their noses and in their ears. They do not always play with the toy or use a product as it is intended.

• If a product is small, or can break easily into small parts, a child under three years of age should not play or use it. If the parts fit in a cardboard toilet paper roll (1 ¼ inches or 3 cm), then it is too small for children under three years of age. Any toy with a warning label, indicating use for children over the age of three, should be taken as a safety warning. Any products or toys labeled with this warning have small parts and are not suitable for children under three years of age.
• If a product has batteries, ensure that the batteries are locked inside toys and that the child can't easily access them. Small batteries can be swallowed as well as cause burns.
• If a product has magnets, make sure that they are firmly attached to the products. Children have been seriously injured from swallowing small magnets.

Strings: Check that strings or tails on products are not long enough to cause strangulation or choking. Check that they are firmly attached to the product.

Surface: Check that the product is smooth, that it does not have sharp points or rough edges, on which a child could scratch or cut themselves. Ensure that soft products are fire resistant and that the stuffing can't come out. The soft stuffing can cause choking.

Engineering

Producers, distributors, retailers and standards developers should have an onus to build safety into the design of products before they reach the market - and to take immediate corrective action when risks are identified with items already for sale.

Suppliers should evaluate products pre-market through a child safety lens Products and standards should be designed using a precautionary approach that keeps child safety in mind.

Enforcement

Enhance consumer product safety in Canada.
Safe Kids Canada calls for enhancements to product-related injury surveillance, reporting, enforcement and consumer education along with a renewal of product safety laws.

A renewal of federal product safety legislation should include a 'precautionary principle' and 'general safety requirement' for all products. This would bring the product legislation framework in line with consumer expectations for safe products on the market.

Published: Mon, May 31, 2010