New figures show at least 10 people a day require medical attention as a result of faulty products, according to mandatory reports provided to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) by manufacturers and retailers.

More than 4.5 million items were recalled by suppliers in the 2017-18 financial year. The ACCC says the consistently high number of recalls suggest the need for a General Safety Provision, currently being considered by Consumer Affairs Ministers, which would require businesses to ensure the safety of the goods they sell.

“Ten injuries a day due to defective products is alarming, but we suspect this is just the tip of the iceberg as many more consumers don’t report injuries to the product suppliers at all,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“We strongly support the introduction of a General Safety Provision by the Australian Government, which is designed to stop unsafe goods from being sold in Australia,” she said. “Australians would be surprised to hear that it is not illegal to supply unsafe products in Australia, as it is in a range of places like the United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Malaysia and Brazil. We think consumers should be able to expect the products they purchase aren’t going to cause them an injury.”

Key recalls during the 2017/18 year include the compulsory recall of Takata airbags which are fitted in one in four vehicles; the recall of faulty Infinity electrical cabling and Samsung washing machines resulting in house fires; and Safetech hardware pool gate latches which may lock in the open position. 

Recall notifications peaked significantly in the summer months, with products ranging from cars and caravans, to children’s toys and prams. Around half of these notifications are referred to specialist safety regulators for assessment, like food, building products and hazardous chemicals.

To keep up to date with current recalls, Ms Rickard said consumers can sign up to Product Safety Australia’s email alerts, which can be tailored to the products that are of interest to them and their families.

“When it comes to safety, you don’t want to take unnecessary risks,” she said.

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