Faulty White Goods – Theresa May is urged to take steps to improve consumer safety

The The London Fire Brigade have written to Theresa May about their concerns over the safety of white goods.  They have stated that there are three fires a day from tumble dryers in the UK and almost one fire a day in London which involves white goods.

In August 2016 a fire in Sheperd’s Bush forced many families from their homes, although fortunately there were no casualties.  At the time London Fire Brigade alleged that the fire was caused by a tumble dryer that had been recalled by its manufacturer. The advice that had been given to consumers at the time was that they could continue using the machine, as long as it was not left unattended.

In 2014 Santosh Benjamin-Muthiah died from smoke inhalation after trying to rescue his family from a fire which was started by a faulty Beko fridge freezer. A Coroner examining the death heard that the manufacturer had been aware of a potential safety issue with the components since 2003, yet had failed to rectify it. The Coroner went on to make a number of recommendations in order to improve the recall system and the safety of household appliances, yet in their letter the London Fire Brigade state that none of these have been implemented.

Gary Walker is a specialist product liability and personal injury lawyer at Enable Law and welcomes the London Fire Brigade attempts to improve the safety of consumers. Gary has said:

“the safety of the families who have these goods in their homes must be the priority.  The reports and enquiries have identified steps that could be taken to improve the recall system and it is now vital that action is taken to prevent further tragedies.”

If you would like to speak to a member of the team about a related issue, please call now on 08000 448 488 for a confidential discussion.

Source: : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40991800