Government Public Database for Safety Complaints

The government has created and launched "a public database that allows people to report and search safety complaints on thousands of products." (J. Kerr, Washington AP, 3/11). A Chicago personal injury lawyer, I commend the government has taken this step to find out about safety issues sooner and disseminate information to consumers.

The website, www.SaferProducts.gov, is managed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Despite objections by manufacturers and fund thwarting efforts on Capital Hill, this site went live last Friday.

The database creates a way for consumers to file reports about a multitude of products and allows consumers to search for specific items to determine if there have been any safety complaints filed. Although opponents assert that the database will be replete with false claims and misleading information, nonetheless, I support SaferProducts.gov and think it is an extremely valuable resource.