The Smart Risk-Playbook Newsletter
Helping business leaders prevent product risks |
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In the last newsletter, we looked at understanding and meeting regulatory requirements. Product standards are often either mandated by particular regulations or serve as a key way for you to demonstrate compliance.
Standards can be grouped by function in relation to safety. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for example classifies safety-related standards into three categories: In the last newsletter we looked at reducing injury risk through thoughtful safety mechanism design. In addition to fail-safe principles (newsletter #4) and good safety mechanism design (newsletter #5), there are other smart design choices that can reduce the chances of common failures. To finish off this series on how good design plays a critical role in reducing product risks, here are four common failures that often lead to injury and how you can reduce those risks:
In the last newsletter we looked at how fail-safe design is the ideal. However, it is not always possible to achieve in all situations. In many cases, additional safety mechanisms are required to reduce risk when the primary design can't fully eliminate it.
A safety mechanism is any added feature, mechanical, electrical, or visual, that reduces the likelihood of harm. It acts as a backup to core design functions and is especially important where the consequences of failure are severe. Good design plays a critical role in reducing product risks, especially the risk of injury. Injuries don’t just affect users; they can also trigger product recalls, legal action, and reputational damage. The EU Safety Gate 2023 Annual Report highlighted that injuries were the second most common reason for product recalls (after chemical risks), accounting for 21% of all cases.
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Bringing a product to market, whether it’s a new launch or an established line, comes with challenges at every stage. I’ve seen firsthand how unexpected risks can derail even the most innovative businesses.
My goal with this newsletter is to help you anticipate these risks, make informed decisions, and strengthen your business’s resilience. Each issue, you’ll gain practical insights such as: By understanding what’s happening behind the scenes, you’ll be equipped to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and create a business that runs smoothly, without unexpected setbacks slowing you down. |
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