Recommendation 9

The regulatory regime places responsibility on businesses to ensure the products they make and sell are safe. The OPSS therefore relies on influencing businesses to follow regulations and prevent harm being caused by unsafe products. Despite the OPSS’s work issuing advice and guidance, 24% of businesses are unaware of their product safety responsibilities.14 Evidence submitted by Which? indicated that many companies may find it difficult to understand safety regulations.15 The OPSS acknowledged that business awareness needs to improve. It told us it had conducted unpublished research that found the lowest awareness among smaller firms and businesses in low safety risk sectors. The OPSS also emphasised the importance of local regulation in supporting small and home- based business in their local area.16 7 Q 9 8 Qq 58, 33–35 9 Which? submission, page 4 10 London Fire Brigade submission, page 2 11 C&AG’s Report, para 3.8 12 Qq 18, 33 13 C&AG’s Report, paras 3.9–3.10 14 Q 19, C&AG’s Report, para 10 15 Which? submission, page 2 16 Qq 19, 20 10 Protecting consumers from unsafe products