Commonwealth, state, territory and New Zealand ministers responsible for consumer affairs have agreed on a National Framework for Product Safety in Australia and New Zealand. The framework marks a cooperative approach to product safety that involves consumers, suppliers and government working together to reduce product-related injuries.
For consumers
As a consumer, you have the opportunity to play an important role in purchasing products that are safe and have a responsibility to ensure that they are used safely.
This means following some basic steps:
buying products that are appropriate for the user (e.g. toys with small parts are not appropriate for children under three)
responding to product safety recall notices
reading and following instructions
using products for their intended purpose only
asking the supplier if the product meets an Australian or international safety standard
using appropriate protective gear
considering the environment in which the product is being used and the possible effects on others (e.g. young children should be kept away from exercise equipment that could harm them)
checking the ongoing condition of the product
taking immediate action on safety problems with the supplier or appropriate agencies
What should consumers look for to promote safety?
Look at the label
Does it display information about safety standards?
Does it say how the product should be used?
Does it provide warnings about how it shouldn't be used?
Look at the instructions
Do you know what to do prior to using the product?
Do you follow instructions whilst using the product?
Look out for others
Do you look out for others when using potentially dangerous products?
Look after the product
Do you look after the product?
Do you check its condition on a regular basis?
Do you undertake necessary maintenance?
Look into problems
Do you keep an eye on product recall notices?
Do you talk to the retailer about safety problems affecting products you bought when they occur?
Do you notify the supplier or consumer agencies about any injuries or potential safety problems?
To download a copy of a brochure which sets out the ways in which consumers, suppliers and government can contribute effectively to safe product outcomes, see under 'Key publications' that appears above on this page.
