Here is a draft communications policy that aims to limit liability for a company with potentially dangerous products:
Communications Policy Regarding Product Safety Hazards
Purpose:
To establish guidelines for internal and external communications related to known or potential safety hazards with Company products in order to limit liability exposure.
Policy:
- All communications regarding product safety must remain factual, objective and aligned with the company's legal strategy. Emotive language should be avoided.
- Speculation about causality, fault and liability should be avoided in all formal and informal communications. State only known facts.
- Communications with external stakeholders, including customers, should remain transparent but carefully coordinated through the PR/Legal teams. Do not share unofficial opinions.
- Internal emails, memos, presentations should not exaggerate risks or make unfounded conclusions about product dangers. Stick to facts.
- Meetings should follow agendas and avoid speculative discussion. Focus on next steps and solutions.
- Be thoughtful about tone and phrasing in all verbal and written communications related to product risk, as these could become public.
- Route all substantial communications through Legal/PR for review prior to sharing externally.
- Report all emerging hazards, risks and liabilities through proper channels immediately. Do not delay communications.
Adherence to this policy will mitigate potential legal exposure by ensuring proactive, coordinated, and careful communications regarding product safety hazards.