April has seen a run of product recalls, a few noticeable shifts in how testing is approached, and increased compliance activity - all pointing to a busier and more closely watched environment than we’ve seen in recent months.
None of this is overly surprising, but it does highlight where changes in the industry are starting to happen.
Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening, and what it means in practice.
Multiple Electrical Recalls Worth Noting
There have been several recent product recalls across Australia and New Zealand, including a few that are directly relevant to testing and tagging.
One of the more notable ones is the Vax backpack vacuum extension lead, which was sold between 2018 and 2026. Given that timeframe, there’s a strong chance many of these leads are still in use across workplaces today - particularly in commercial cleaning environments where this type of equipment is common.
There has also been a recall issued for the Hoselink Wi-Fi Gateway device, which is used with Bluetooth tap timers. While it’s not something you’d typically associate with test and tag at first glance, it is still a powered device connected to mains supply, which means it should be considered as part of a broader visual inspection and testing process.
A separate recall for the MagSlim 5K Power Bank was also recently announced. While lower voltage devices like this aren’t always included in standard test and tag programs, they still present a potential safety risk - particularly where they’re used frequently or left on charge for extended periods.
Key takeaways
- Recalled equipment can remain in use for years without anyone realising
- Visual inspection and awareness of recalls are just as important as the test itself
- If a recalled item is identified, it should be removed from service immediately
It’s a good reminder to keep these types of items top of mind when testing. If you come across something that’s been recalled, it should be taken out of service immediately, not left for later. That’s where awareness becomes critical. Without it, these products can easily remain in use long after the recall has been issued.
WorkSafe QLD Flags Real-World Electrical Incidents
Recent guidance from WorkSafe Queensland has highlighted incidents involving cleaning equipment, including backpack vacuums, where workers have received electric shocks and burns.
This ties in closely with the type of equipment being recalled above - particularly where leads and cables are regularly moved, exposed to wear, and used in demanding environments.
The guidance, issued through the Electrical Safety Office, also reinforces the importance of proper inspection, testing and tagging in these situations, noting that these risks are often linked to damaged leads, poor handling, or equipment that hasn’t been checked thoroughly.
In practice, this is exactly the type of equipment where issues are most often picked up through consistent visual inspection and a structured test and tag process.
The Trend Shift Toward Faster Testing
One trend we’re seeing at the moment is a stronger push toward speed when it comes to testing and tagging. When we say that, we’re talking about the day-to-day flow of the job - logging results, applying the tag, moving onto the next item, and everything in between.
On the surface, that makes sense. Businesses want jobs completed quickly, downtime kept to a minimum, and testing carried out as efficiently as possible. Most test and tag equipment and setups today are also designed to support faster workflows.
But speed has become the main talking point, and in many cases, it’s being chased without the same level of focus on how the process is actually being carried out.
If you’re using accessories like printers, software, or testers with built-in features, it’s worth taking the time to think through your process properly. Used well, they'll make your job both faster and more consistent. But if used poorly, they tend to do the opposite.
That’s usually where problems start to creep in for test and tag businesses – with inconsistent results, gaps in records, or a process that becomes harder to rely on over time.
There’s no real benefit in speeding up testing if it comes at the cost of the process not being done properly. In most cases, getting the process right is what actually makes the job faster in the long run. Good equipment helps, but it won’t fix a process that isn’t being followed properly.
If you're interested in where things are headed, we've covered a number of these shifts in our Test & Tag Industry Insights for 2026.
NSW Compliance Activity is Lifting Again
SafeWork NSW has released its first half-yearly update since becoming an independent regulator, and alongside that, there are early signs of a more active, on-the-ground approach to compliance.
A recent safety blitz across construction sites in the Hunter Valley is a good example of this. Inspectors carried out targeted visits across multiple sites within a short period, focusing on identifying risks and checking that safety processes were not only in place, but being followed correctly.
While this type of activity has steadily increased since last year, the shift appears to be in how it’s being applied. There is a greater emphasis on proactive inspections, rather than relying solely on incidents or complaints to trigger action.
At the moment, this is most visible in NSW (which makes sense given the move to an independent regulator), but the latest update also shows the level of activity already underway — with 79 investigations completed and 168 still active. When you combine that with targeted site blitzes like the one in the Hunter Valley, it clearly tells us that compliance is being monitored more closely, not just responded to after the fact.
For anyone responsible for testing and tagging – the key point here is ensuring your process is consistent, properly documented, and able to stand up if reviewed, particularly with current test and tag regulations in NSW.
Final Wrap
More recalls are likely to continue coming through, so staying aware of what’s out there and what’s still in circulation is increasingly important.
We’ll keep sharing updates like this as things develop.
With EOFY approaching fast, things typically start to ramp up across the industry, and we’re expecting a busy period ahead with plenty happening over the coming weeks. We’ll also be sharing an update next week covering some of the biggest EOFY sales on new equipment.
