It is that time of year again when we as consumers are all getting excited in the lead up to Christmas and are out and about busy purchasing our gifts for friends and family.

Unfortunately, it is also a time when we often see an increase in personal injury claims arising from faulty products and appliances.

Katrina Elsey, Personal Injury Specialist at Switalskis advises parents to take care at this time of year to avoid the pitfalls of hazardous products including toys through ensuring they are aware of the safety standards in place to protect them and their children.

Our advice to consumers is that when you are purchasing your Christmas gifts make sure that your purchases meet the relevant European Standards. Consumers should remember that all toys supplied in the UK must meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 and should carry the CE marking. We often see some manufacturers and retailers keen to sell their toys at Christmas which may seem like bargains for consumers but infact turn out to be hazardous and unsuitable for children often resulting in personal injury.

The Toy Safety Regulations set out the essential safety requirements for toys, and these cover elements which include the design and construction of toys, and any risks that toys might pose to children.

What Risks Do Toy Safety Laws Cover?

The risks covered by the law are:

• Physical and mechanical
• Flammability
• Chemical properties
• Electrical properties
• Hygiene
• Radioactivity.

Online marketplaces have no legal responsibility for overseeing product safety sold by third party sellers on their sites.

We therefore all need to remain vigilant and not assume that just because you can buy something, it must be safe. We have seen recent products recalled due to batteries of toys being identified as something which may be placed in the mouth and swallowed, presenting a choking hazard for young children and causing damage or internal burns.

If you have any concerns about the safety of any toy, report them straight away to your local trading standards office.

As parents we all want to select safe toys and devices for our children. All toys should have a label telling you the age they are designed for. There are strict safety laws governing all products sold, predominately the Consumer Protection Act 1987. It is vital that Consumers know they have legal rights as there is legislation in place to protect you and therefore if you do suffer personal injury as a result of a faulty product Switalskis can assist you in taking the necessary steps to help put things right.

Make safety the top of all our Christmas lists this year.

 Reach out to us today. Call0800 138 0458or contact us through thewebsiteto begin your journey towards recovery.