Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 10
10
The OPSS also aims to communicate with consumers, directly and indirectly through other organisations, to...
Conclusion
The OPSS also aims to communicate with consumers, directly and indirectly through other organisations, to encourage them to avoid buying unsafe goods and use products correctly. It has produced consumer safety campaigns on specific products, such as fireworks and Halloween costumes, and works with consumer groups to raise awareness on how to report product safety issues.17 Despite this, only 17% of consumers consider safety when purchasing a product, behind factors such as price and ease of purchase.18 The OPSS acknowledged that part of the challenge, particularly with goods sold online, is that consumers assume that if a product is on sale it must be safe, which is not always the case. It told us it is looking to make sure consumers that are buying products online have the relevant information, such as on where the product comes from and who has produced it, to make an informed choice.19
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2: PAC conclusion: The OPSS has struggled to reach some businesses and consumers to prevent harm being caused by unsafe products. 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2022 2.2 OPSS has conducted a comprehensive survey asking 4,000 consumers about their attitudes and behaviours related to product safety and undertaken consumer safety information campaigns with partners such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Electrical Safety First, Child Accident Prevention Trust and Chartered Trading Standards Institute to raise awareness on safety issues. 2.3 OPSS’ safety campaigns on fireworks, Halloween fancy dress, button batteries, counterfeit products and Christmas campaigns have been very successful. These campaigns reached more than 2 million people over the last year. OPSS has improved reach and accessibility too. 2.5 OPSS is planning to enhance understanding of consumers and businesses, enabling a more proactive and segmented approach to regulating the system, better protecting people and preventing harm including developing a better understanding of how more vulnerable consumers can be better protected.