Every parent wants to keep their child safe in all instances. Fortunately, in the United States, there are regulations in place that help make a parent’s job a little bit easier. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is tasked with protecting U.S. consumers from the dangers of products that pose a chemical, electrical, mechanical or fire hazard. In addition, the commission also works hard to prevent injuries to children. Manufacturer warning labels are one of the ways that the commission is able to increase the consumer safety of toys, household cleaners, and items intended for infant use. In the United States, legislation has created strict standards for warning and safety labels.
U.S. legislation such as the Child Safety Protection Act has created specific labeling requirements for toy manufacturers. Because of this legislation, toys with small parts like balloons, marbles, and small pieces are required to include a warning label that indicates items that may pose a choking hazard. The warning labels must be displayed prominently on the packaging and written legibly in English. Parents are urged to keep items with parts that can become lodged in an airway away from children to whom they pose a reasonable risk. Manufacturers are not required to provide an age level on toys, but many toy makers in the industry have voluntarily adopted this standard.
Infant products are also subject to the same labeling requirements as those intended for the use of children. In addition, infant products such as car seats also must contain labels that indicate the correct placement of the seat as well as its proper usage according to age and size of the infant. Parents who have adhered to manufacturer warning labels by using the products as intended should feel comfortable in their usage of them. However, occasionally defective products or insufficiently-tested products can pose an unforeseen risk to children. For instance, a San Luis Obispo wrongful death lawyer knows that if a defective product with subpar materials ends up in your hands, you could be hurt or killed. If a child has been harmed by a defective product their parent should consult a lawyer for consultation. This can help mitigate any problems that may arise from such a situation.
Toys that do not adhere to the standard set forth by the Child Safety Protection may be subject to a recall. Parents should regularly check for recalls on toys and items. Additionally, parents should register big ticket items such as cribs, strollers, and car seats with manufacturers to ensure reliable coverage and documentation, should a problem arise. Registering these items can help keep parents abreast of the latest recalls on important everyday items such as these.
Parents in the United States are fortunate that manufacturers are held accountable for the safety of their products. With the continual diligence of parents and the support of the government, products and toys manufactured for children in this country are able to maintain the highest standard of quality and safety. Parents are urged to take warning labels seriously and report any incidents of defective toys.
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