Safer by Design : A Guide to the Management and Law of Designing for Product Safety

With all manufacturers facing increased exposure to penalties arising from product failure, the management of this vital aspect of design is now fully appreciated. The book opens by reviewing the legal responsibilities and liabilities of designers, both corporate and individual, in the light of the current changes in the law. The second part of the book establishes the principles of the management of design risks, against the increased exposures and penalties for getting it wrong. This new edition also considers ethics in some detail. The final part of the book provides a chastening look at the consequences of failure by presenting case studies of around 20 major incidents that have affected everyday products.

Product safety begins with design or formulation whether it is for a complex engineering product or a simple household article. Those who suffer damage from a design defect can win compensation without having to prove negligence. Manufacturers, suppliers and importers can all be responsible for ensuring that their products are safe. To help protect them against prosecution, customer dissatisfaction and commercial loss requires a programme of risk reduction, which begins with the management of design. Design and product development require a balanced approach to the new realities of the legal situation, both for companies and individual designers. Part One reviews the strategy needed to manage design in the fresh legal climate and includes guidance on techniques that can be used. Part Two is a jargon-free guide through the difficult area of international product liability law. It has been entirely rewritten to reflect the many recent changes to influence European law and a designer''s personal liability. Part Three brings home vividly the physical, legal and commercial risks of product defects and demonstrates ways in which they could be prevented. There are over 20 real life, fascinating and instructive case histories, many of them new, ranging from exploding office chairs to ro-ro ferries and from washing powder to aircraft. Safer by Design is exceptional in providing management and risk assessment advice, coupled with legal guidance and actual practical lessons.