A Government Agency's Program for Collection and Dissemination of Information.

In an effort to help make products safer and to reduce product-related injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission relies heavily on consumer participation. To establish regulations, it utilizes the following: (1) an "Offeror" regulation whereby groups can offer to manage the safety standards development process; (2) a consumer roster which contains the names of individuals interested in participating in standards development; (3) public hearings and meetings; (4) inclusion of more consumer representatives on advisory boards; (5) the consumer deputy program which assists in surveillance activities; and (6) issuance of safety rules on specific products by consumer petition. To collect information concerning injuries, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) is the major data source. Information also is provided by: (1) a network of telecommunications terminals in hospitals; (2) in-depth studies in selected cases; (3) doctor's office reports; (4) death certificates; and (5) the National Health Interview Survey. To disseminate the information on product safety, public service announcements are sent to radio and television stations, publications are distributed, and specialized information requests are answered by researchers. (EMH)