Abstract:

This paper is a case history describing the development of a common accident surveillance system throughout the European Community. Because comparable information is being obtained by all member countries, this research will assist member countries to agree on common standards of safety for consumer products, in preparation for the single market in 1992. The paper is in four sections. Section 1 - describes the model for the European research, a system developed in the UK in the 1970s. The objectives and design of the system, and the methods used to collect and validate the data are discussed in detail. Section 2 - gives specific examples of the ways in which the information collected is used to help improve consumer safety, through public education, legislation, and voluntary agreements with manufacturers. Sections - explains how the European-wide system was introduced and is currently operated. Some of the problems encountered by various member countries are described. Section 4 - indicates how the results of this research can assist the development of harmonised European safety standards for consumer products, based on common perceptions of the hazards associated with different products. Reference is made to a study of nursery equipment, the first project to have drawn upon the European data. The paper concludes with some observations on the future of the project, in the light of possible withdrawal of central EC funding.