Role of consumers

Consumers play an important part in product safety. Safety often depends on using products with care and as they are meant to be used. It is important to understand the risks of products you use and stay aware of the things you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe.

Steps for avoiding injuries

There are many steps you can take to avoid unnecessary injuries:

• Buy wisely
• Use products safely
• Maintain products in good working order
• Watch out for recall notices
• Report unsafe products

Buy wisely

• Research the safety of products before you buy them—many goods, especially in the nursery area, have information available from websites (including this one) and other independent advisers.
• Choose the safest product where you can—for example, choose newer-style trampolines with safety netting instead of the traditional style.
• Buy products that are appropriate for the user—for example, toys should be suitable for a child’s age.
• Ask the supplier if products meet an Australian or international safety standard—look for standards marks on the product and ask the retailer or manufacturer for more information if you need it.
• Take extra care when considering second-hand products—you can’t always tell if a product is safe, so buying second-hand, including from the internet, may require some extra homework and caution.

Use products safely

Maintain products in good working order

• Be aware of the product's ongoing condition, as they do not last forever—for example, hot water bottles can perish over a short time and can burst, leading to serious burns that may require lengthy periods in hospital.
• Perform maintenance or arrange servicing and repairs as products age—for example, cots need to be checked regularly to ensure bolts and fittings are tight. Loose connections can lead to a child being trapped.
• Do not modify or repair products yourself—it is safer to organise this through a specialist repairer or the manufacturer.
• Dispose of damaged products that no longer work as intended.

Watch out for recall notices

• Sign up for email alerts and RSS feeds at the Recalls Australia website www.recalls.gov.au.
• Check the daily newspapers for recall advertisements.
• Respond to product safety recall notices—if you have a recalled product, stop using it and follow the instructions for getting a refund, repair or replacement.

Report unsafe products

Always report accidents and ‘near misses’ related to products to:

• the retailer—complaints to retailers often result in recalls
• manufacturer—complaints to manufacturers often result in recalls
• a consumer product safety regulator—government agencies talk to companies about recalls and compliance and take various actions to track issues and ensure other consumers do not suffer injuries.