A Cross-Cultural Risk Analysis of Childhood Injuries. M. Brickley, Inchcape Testing Services, 195 Anderson Ave., Moonachie, NJ 07074; and D. Greaves, Labtest UK, Manfield Park, Cranleigh, Surrey GU68PY
It is important for manufacturers of consumer products to understand the risks and hazards associated with those products. If products are to be distributed internationally, it is critical for manufacturers to determine whether there are similar risks when one country or region is compared with another country or region. Using the risk equation: RISK = HAZARD x EXPOSURE, an analysis of the hazards associated with products intended for use by children will be conducted. The characteristics of those products will be identified. The authors will then analyze the hazards posed by products with particular characteristics in the United States relative to the hazards posed by products with the same characteristics in a European country. Child observation studies will be used to identify differences and similarities in play strategies and behavior and whether those strategies and behaviors contribute to the amount and types of injuries in each country. Analysis of childhood injury and fatality data from Europe and the United States will be conducted to determine whether there are different patterns of injuries and fatalities in the two countries or whether the injury and fatality trends are similar in both countries.