55% of Accidental Deaths Happen at Home:

With 55% of accidental deaths occurring in the home, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging shoppers to prioritise safety this Black Friday. Unsafe products, counterfeit goods, and poor-quality items can turn your home into a danger zone.

Adding to the concern, threats to breathing—such as choking and suffocation—have increased by 17% in the last decade, highlighting the critical importance of buying safe, reliable products, especially for children and vulnerable family members.

Your home should be a safe place, not a hazard. Unsafe products bought during sales can lead to serious risks like choking, fire, or poisoning. This Black Friday, prioritise safety over savings to ensure you protect your loved ones and create a safer environment at home.

RoSPA’s Top Tips for Staying Safe While Shopping Online

To help shoppers avoid dangerous deals and make informed choices, RoSPA provides the following guidance:

Prioritise Safety Over Savings
While discounts may tempt you, ensure products meet UK safety standards. Research thoroughly, particularly when buying toys, electronics, and household items.

Be Wary of Counterfeit Goods and Check for Safety Markings
Counterfeit products often fail to meet safety regulations. Always purchase from trusted retailers and ensure that toys, electronics, and other high-risk items display the CE or UKCA mark.

Stay Informed About Product Recalls
Check the UK Government’s product recall website before buying to ensure the product hasn’t been flagged as unsafe.

Be Extra Vigilant with Children’s Products
For items aimed at babies or children, buy from reputable retailers and check authenticity and safety labels. Make sure that the product contains instructions.

Report Unsafe Products
If you receive a product that appears unsafe, report it to the retailer and Trading Standards (contactable through Citizens Advice). Reporting helps prevent others from being harmed.

The Dangers of Unsafe Products at Home

With more than half of accidental deaths happening in the home, shoppers must make safety a top priority. Poorly made products can lead to preventable accidents, including:

Choking hazards from toys with small parts.

Fire risks from uncertified electrical devices.

Poisoning incidents from unlabelled or improperly sealed household items.

Further Resources
Product Safety Recalls: Find up-to-date information on product recalls and safety alerts.
Report Unsafe Products: Learn how to report products that don’t meet safety standards.
Product Safety Advice: Explore RoSPA’s guidance on product safety for toys, electronics, and household items