Customs agents at major Australian airports say having to wear name tags could put them at risk of reprisal attacks by jet set criminals.

According to newspaper reports over the weekend, the issue has been raised with workplace safety authorities who have asked for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Agency to consider measures to protect staff.

Customs and Border Protection officers became concerned when a new uniform policy was introduced last year, including the provision that full names had to be displayed on identification tags at all times.

Many of the five thousand Customs Agency workers across the country hold a legitimate fear of organised crime syndicates, who could for any number of reasons wish the know the full name of an airport security officer.

Customs Officers say the information could be used to locate or track them off-duty, coerce them into participating in illegal activities, or threaten their families. Criminal members of the Australian public also could seek to settle a perceived grudge or slight against them.

A spokesperson for Comcare said that a workplace improvement notice has now been issued which would force officers to comply by December 4. It does however order officials to consult with staff who may be affected by the name badge requirement, with options such as using initials or surnames to be discussed.

A spokesperson for Customs said the policy had been created to bring the border security officers codes in line with other law enforcers. It appears the concerns were taken on-board; representatives say the policy has now been officially modified to allow the option of just an initial or surname.