The purpose of this study is to identify the current problem of the responsibility for skiers’ accidents in regards to the Product Liability Law (PLL). The PLL was enacted to provide relief to the victims of mishaps caused by defective products and has been in effect in Japan from July 1st 1995.
　With the new PLL in effect, there is now a greater potential of liability claims against the manufacturers and providers of ski-related products (e. g., skis, ski-bindings, ski-boots, ski-wear, water-proofing spray, etc.) as a result of alleged defects that result in accidents and injury.
　Manufacturers should make an effort to supply safer ski-equipment and skiing goods, with special care given to safe, fool-proof design and the availability of consumer-safety information.
　Especially for the ski-bindings, it is necessary to take precaution to be in harmony with the specification S-B-B System (ISO 11088), because the work involved in mounting and adjusting the ski-bindings is considered ‘processing’ under the terms of the PLL.
　Proper issuance of a workshop ticket is important to certify that the bindings have been properly mounted and adjusted by a certified technician. A release agreement could also be made available to consumers to serve as a statement of the risks inherent in skiing, and this would help to eliminate as participants those persons not prepared to assume due risk. Whether or not the valid and complete the documents concerning the setting value of the ski bindings should be considered when reviewing an organization's overall risk management program.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.17/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE