SafeWork NSW blitz results in 736 notices and $63,300 in fines

The operation ran from Monday 13 October to Wednesday 15 October as part of National SafeWork Month. It involved 250 inspectors making 570 unannounced workplace checks and was SafeWork NSW’s largest statewide compliance blitz since becoming a standalone regulator.

Inspections targeted the regulator’s five regulatory priorities. Unsafe work at heights and unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery remained the two leading safety risks identified across worksites. Of the notices issued, 209 concerned work-at-height safety requirements and 175 related to mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery.

Examples of enforcement action included penalties for businesses operating forklifts without the appropriate high-risk work licence. Inspectors also issued improvement notices where workers were exposed to uncapped steel rods embedded in concrete.

Inspectors completed 228 psychosocial checks, including targeted discussions with employers and workers about psychosocial hazards and measures to eliminate or reduce the risks. Businesses also received resources, business toolkits and awareness information to help manage and prevent workplace psychosocial hazards.

The blitz covered regional and metropolitan NSW, reaching Lismore, Albury, Dubbo and Orange. Inspectors also visited Gosford, Newcastle, Wollongong, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Construction, health care, manufacturing, wholesale trade and retail businesses were targeted, with construction recording the most visits and compliance notices.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the operation followed a $127.7 million investment over four years to address psychosocial hazards, compliance and enforcement of safer work practices. She said the work was also about improving awareness and supporting businesses to keep workers safe, and thanked the inspectors involved.

Ms Cotsis said an average of one life was lost each week, describing that toll as one life too many. “Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said compliance blitzes were an important part of the regulator’s strategy for proactively addressing high-risk activities across NSW. “Everyone deserves to return home safely from work, and SafeWork NSW is committed to working with businesses across the state to help them stay accountable for managing the health and safety of their workers.”

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