Recommendation 7

However, data and intelligence are essential resources for regulators to identify emerging risks more quickly and decide what action to take in response. The OPSS described to us some useful data sources, such as its cosmetics database and fire and accident data. However, the OPSS acknowledged it needs to collect better data and insight to identify safety problems more effectively.8 This concern was echoed by the consumer body Which?, who stressed to us that the OPSS needs systems to collect, analyse and share data across the product safety regime to ensure a more proactive and intelligence- led approach.9 Similarly, the London Fire Brigade told us that better data on fires exists through insurance bodies and forensic investigators, but there are no formal reporting mechanisms and the regulatory regime relies on manufactures and other stakeholders to self-identify safety problems.10