Quality Systems and Product Safety Policy

Uniforms.com.au is super serious about delivering safe, compliant, and perfect-for-the-job uniforms, workwear, and merchandise. This page gives you the lowdown on our quality system and the detailed steps we take to manage product safety, all in line with Australian requirements and the expert guidance from Product Safety Australia.

Quick FAQ

We stick to all applicable Australian Consumer Law, mandatory product safety standards, bans, and any recall advice given by the ACCC and Product Safety Australia. We're always on the lookout for updates and tweak our controls whenever needed to ensure top-notch product safety.

If something serious happens, we jump into action: we assess the risk, immediately stop selling the product, and take corrective steps. If a death, serious injury, or serious illness is linked to one of our products, we file a mandatory injury report within 2 days and follow the recall process if required, putting safety Australia first.

Absolutely! We use smart, risk-based controls that can involve getting evidence from our suppliers, doing our own checks in-house, sending products for third-party testing, and extra-thorough inspections for high risk items. This layered approach ensures comprehensive product safety.

Purpose

This policy spells out our quality system and the procedures we use to guarantee product safety, legal compliance, and ongoing improvements, always with our customers' wellbeing in mind.

Scope

This covers every single product we get our hands on – from sourcing and decorating to storing and supplying. That includes third-party branded goods, our own embroidery and printing, all packaging, and even how we sell things online. Our commitment to product safety is truly end-to-end.

Regulatory and Standards Commitments

• Only supply products that meet all mandatory Australian standards and bans.
• Lodge mandatory injury reports within 2 days if a death, serious injury, or serious illness is connected to a product we supplied, reinforcing our dedication to safety Australia.
• Handle recalls exactly as the ACCC advises, which means telling the regulator and informing our customers straight away.
• Keep product information crystal clear so you're covered by consumer guarantees and know how to use everything safely.

Quality Management Principles

• Customer safety always comes first, then legal compliance, and finally performance and durability.
• We think about risk throughout a product's entire journey, from when we first source it to after you've bought it.
• We have documented processes, trained staff, and are always looking for ways to get better.

Product Risk Assessment

Before we even consider a new product, we give it a Low, Medium, or High risk level based on these factors:

• Hazard profile. Think about things like flammability, strangulation or entanglement risks, small parts, sharp edges, restricted substances, or batteries in accessories.
• Intended user. Who's using it? Adults, children, or vulnerable users? And will it be used in tough work environments?
• Supply chain. We look at the country risk, how much subcontracting is involved, and how transparent the factories are.
• Complexity and change. Does it involve custom decoration, cords, zips, rivets, reflective elements, or new materials that might add complexity?
• Regulatory coverage. Are there specific mandatory standards, bans, or guidance notes for this type of product?

Controls by risk level

• Low. Standard checks when we bring it on board and we review it regularly.
• Medium. We'll ask for compliance evidence, recent test reports, and do tighter checks when it arrives.
• High. This means accredited third-party testing before the first shipment, conformity checks for each batch, and a senior team member's approval to ensure ultimate product safety.

Supplier Assurance

• We do our homework before picking suppliers, checking their quality credentials, test history, and they have to sign our Supplier Code of Conduct.
• We screen every single product for mandatory standards, including care labeling, fiber content, and any specific requirements.
• For decoration blanks, we verify the base garment's compliance.
• We review suppliers annually, and even more often for those in the Medium and High risk categories.

Pre Production Controls

• Technical file per SKU. This is like a product's complete passport: specification sheet, bill of materials, trims list, measurements, care instructions, and a hazard assessment.
• Decoration control. We approve artwork, choose the right threads and needles, specify backing and stabilizer, control heat press temperatures and dwell times, and check print adhesion and colorfastness.
• First article approval. We keep one perfect production sample, signed off by our QA team and the account owner.

Incoming and In Process Checks

• Sampling. We do AQL-based inspections when products arrive, checking workmanship, measurements, color, labeling, and packaging.
• Safety checkpoints. We're on the lookout for loose trims, sharp edges, unsecured cords, choking hazards on accessories, and secure packaging – all crucial for product safety.
• Label review. We check country of origin, fiber content, care symbols, size, and any warnings required by a mandatory standard.
• Decoration run checks. This includes placement, adhesion or embroidery security, dye migration, and visibility of reflective elements if relevant.

Product Information and Traceability

• Every production batch gets an internal code that links to the supplier, factory, date, and inspection record.
• Packaging includes our contact details and a clear model or style number.
• We keep all technical files and inspection records for at least 7 years, ensuring complete traceability for product safety.

Non Conformance and Corrective Action

• If anything falls short in safety, legal compliance, or being fit for purpose, it triggers a Non-Conformance Report and a Corrective and Preventive Action plan.
• We dig into the root cause, contain the issue, correct it, and document prevention steps, tracking everything until it's resolved.
• High risk issues get escalated to leadership within 24 hours.

Complaints, Incidents, and Mandatory Reporting

• We log every complaint and incident, carefully assessing any potential harm.
• We submit a mandatory injury report within 2 days when required, upholding our commitment to safety Australia.
• We keep customers in the loop and document all outcomes and lessons learned.

Product Recall Procedure

1. Stop sale and quarantine all stock immediately.
2. Assess the hazard's risk and decide if we'll repair, replace, or refund.
3. Notify the regulator and issue consumer-facing recall notices that follow all format and wording guidelines.
4. Alert customers via email, website notices, social posts, and point-of-sale notices as applicable.
5. Track responses and report progress until the recall is fully closed, always prioritizing product safety.

Training and Awareness

• All new staff get training on product safety and this policy during onboarding.
• Procurement, production, and customer service teams get annual refreshers, including how to spot "red flag" issues.
• We use Product Safety Australia resources to stay updated and informed.

Internal Audit and Management Review

• We audit supplier files, technical files, inspections, and complaint handling every 6 months.
• Management reviews objectives, incidents, recalls, and improvements annually to keep our product safety standards high.

Records and Document Control

• We use controlled templates for specifications, inspections, non-conformances, and recalls.
• Records are stored securely and can be searched by SKU and batch number.
• This policy and related procedures are always version controlled.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leadership. They provide oversight, resources, and approve recalls and mandatory reports.
• Procurement. They handle supplier due diligence and ensure compliance evidence is gathered.
• Quality Assurance. These folks do risk assessments, inspections, coordinate testing, and manage our CAPA plans.
• Production. They handle in-process controls for embroidery and printing and make sure non-conforming items are kept separate.
• Customer Service. They're on the front lines for complaint intake, escalating incidents, and communicating during recalls.

Effective date: 22 September 2025