SafeWork NSW Targets Abattoir Safety in Statewide Compliance Blitz

SafeWork NSW has completed a series of unannounced inspections at abattoirs and meat processing facilities across regional New South Wales to verify that duty holders are meeting their work health and safety (WHS) obligations and effectively managing high-risk activities.

Aligned with SafeWork NSW’s 2026–27 regulatory priorities, inspectors concentrated on WHS duties associated with labour hire arrangements and complex supply chains, areas where clear policies, procedures and documented WHS management systems are critical to ensuring accountability and consistent risk control.

The operation also placed a strong emphasis on the safe use of mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery. Inspectors reviewed how risks were being controlled, including the adequacy of machine guarding, traffic management systems and safe work method statements (SWMS) for high-risk tasks. Where appropriate, businesses can strengthen these controls through formal WHS management systems and documented procedures, such as those available from specialist providers including WHS management system packages.

During late September, inspectors visited five facilities across regional NSW. Three improvement notices were issued for non-compliance with WHS legislation, specifically relating to deficiencies in machine guarding and traffic management arrangements. These notices require duty holders to rectify identified hazards and demonstrate how they will prevent similar issues in the future.

Positively, checks relating to migrant workers indicated generally strong practices in consultation, training, supervision and worker welfare. This outcome highlights that, in many workplaces, structured WHS policies, effective consultation mechanisms and ongoing training are being used to support vulnerable workers and maintain safer working environments.

The abattoir-focused operation is one of several compliance initiatives being rolled out by SafeWork NSW during national Safe Work Month in October. These initiatives are designed to ensure businesses not only comply with the law but also embed a culture of safety through systematic risk management, clear SWMS and documented WHS procedures.

SafeWork NSW is also conducting its largest-ever compliance program targeting psychosocial hazards. Inspectors will be holding targeted discussions with employers and workers on how psychosocial risks are identified, assessed and controlled, and what steps are being taken to eliminate or minimise these hazards as far as reasonably practicable.

As part of this program, businesses will be provided with practical resources to support the management and prevention of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Integrating these materials into existing WHS management systems and workplace policies can help organisations address issues such as work-related stress, bullying, fatigue and sexual harassment more systematically.

Throughout Safe Work Month, SafeWork NSW inspectors will also conduct a statewide program of visits addressing all four of its 2026–27 regulatory priorities. These visits further reinforce the expectation that all PCBUs have robust risk management processes, documented WHS procedures and, where required, SWMS for high-risk work.

The 2024 Safe Work Month theme, "Safe work is for life", underlines the core aim of WHS: to protect workers’ lives, health and long-term wellbeing. This message is particularly relevant in higher-risk sectors such as meat processing, where effective controls, strong supervision and clear safety documentation are essential.

In addition to compliance activities, SafeWork NSW will be actively engaging with businesses, industry bodies and other stakeholders across the month. The regulator will share insights, tools and resources to support the design of safe and healthy work practices that prevent injuries, occupational illnesses and long-term harm.

SafeWork NSW representatives will attend key industry events, including the Workplace Health & Safety Show at Sydney Olympic Park on 21–22 October and AgTech Discovery Days across regional NSW. These forums provide opportunities for businesses to learn about best practice WHS management, emerging risks and practical strategies for continuous improvement.

SafeWork NSW is also hosting in-person events for principal contractors and construction workers, workshops focused on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, and a dedicated forum for health and safety representatives in Nowra on 21 October. These activities support the implementation of effective WHS policies and procedures and encourage open consultation about safety issues at all levels of the organisation.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer emphasised that compliance operations remain a central element of SafeWork NSW’s proactive approach to managing high-risk work across the State. She noted that these blitzes reinforce the requirement for all businesses to prioritise safety every day, while engagement activities enable stakeholders to collaborate, share experiences and collectively improve WHS outcomes.

SafeWork NSW has reaffirmed its commitment to working with businesses of all sizes to help them remain accountable for protecting the health and safety of their workers. The overarching message is clear: every worker has the right to return home safe and healthy at the end of each day, and this relies on effective WHS management systems, strong leadership and ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.