There are few bad dreams that rival the nightmare of product recalls and product liability claims. But for manufacturers and others that continually confront risk along the product supply chain, the issues surrounding product safety and liability are of paramount concern. Product recalls are escalating. Apprehension about product safety continues to grow - particularly about products and components that are sourced from Asia. And the cost of product liability goes beyond rising claims, litigation, loss costs, and the effort required to effectively manage recalls - the reputations of brands, companies, segments, and manufacturing in general can be tarnished by product safety and quality concerns.

Fortunately, product liability and product recall nightmares largely can be avoided. Prevention starts with good products - producing safe products with zero defects is an attainable goal. Product liability and litigation are controllable and preventable. Manufacturers - and companies that source from overseas manufacturers - can institute strategies, processes, and procedures that improve product quality, mitigate product liability, comply with government regulations, and in the process decrease the likelihood of recalls and litigation. Even the risk of overseas sourcing can be mitigated through careful qualification of suppliers and rigorous testing protocols.

• The common causes of product safety deficiencies that lead to escalating product safety recalls
• How to shift their organizations focus from reactive product recalls to proactive product liability prevention
• How to create awareness of comprehensive product safety and liability prevention processes and best practices
• What are the implications of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008
• What are the resources and best practices involved with managing voluntary product recalls