Horticulture safety blitz triggers notices across two NSW regions

Inspectors visited farms, packhouses and agricultural businesses in two operations targeting work health and safety risks linked to labour hire and complex supply chains. The inspections formed part of the NSW Government’s crackdown on labour hire firms and agribusinesses that put workers at risk.

In the Coffs Harbour region, an eight-day operation ahead of the berry picking season covered 28 businesses. Inspectors issued 34 compliance notices: 29 improvement notices and five prohibition notices requiring immediate action on serious safety risks.

The Riverina operation involved 32 businesses over two days, with SafeWork NSW working alongside the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). SafeWork inspectors issued 16 improvement notices relating to matters including moving plant, electrical safety and hazardous chemicals.

SIRA authorised officers checked workers compensation insurance coverage and compared workplace injury registers with workers compensation claims. Both agencies are assessing further regulatory action where they identified significant non-compliance, including possible penalty notices and action to recover premiums.

SafeWork NSW will share findings with federal law enforcement agencies where required. Amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025, which commenced in July 2026, allow the regulator to establish formal information-sharing agreements with prescribed Commonwealth regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Minister for Work Health and Safety and Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said the blitz had identified more than 40 safety breaches across horticulture and warned operators exploiting workers that they faced action. She also said the government was considering options for a Labour Hire Licencing Scheme and engaging with businesses and unions through the yearly Farm Safety Roundtables and annual Construction Round Table.

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer described horticulture safety as a complex regulatory issue that often requires coordination across state and federal agencies. She said SafeWork NSW and SIRA had an important preventative role through oversight of work health and safety and the Workers Compensation Scheme, and that the operations showed more work remained despite active compliance efforts.

SIRA Acting Chief Executive Samantha Taylor said workers compensation provided a fundamental safety net, giving injured workers access to support and compensation. She said collaboration between SIRA and SafeWork NSW was critical to holding employers accountable for safe workplaces, reducing injury risks and supporting return to work.

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