Short news items about work health and safety developments, regulator updates and practical lessons for Australian businesses.
SafeWork NSW will host the Partnering for Prevention – Industry Sexual Harassment Summit to tackle sexual harassment as a critical work health and safety risk in the health care and social assistance, retail and hospitality sectors.
A New South Wales road line marking company has been fined $120,000 after a worker suffered serious burns when struck by hot bitumen from a vehicle‑mounted melter, highlighting the critical need for robust WHS management systems and safe systems of work around mobile plant.
The NSW Government has formally established the inaugural SafeWork Advisory Council, a key reform designed to strengthen work health and safety governance and provide independent, expert guidance to the state’s standalone WHS regulator.
A Sydney hoisting equipment provider has been fined $360,000 after a worker sustained serious burns and an electric shock while working on live electrical components, highlighting the critical need for robust WHS management systems and electrical safety controls.
The Minns Labor Government has reinforced its focus on safer construction workplaces with the first Construction Safety Roundtable in Parramatta, bringing together industry leaders to tackle persistent risks and strengthen WHS management across New South Wales.
Safe Work Australia has unveiled a new online hub to centralise information, data and updates on the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023–2033, supporting businesses and PCBUs to strengthen their WHS management systems, policies and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).
Safe Work Australia has released a new stakeholder resource pack to help businesses, WHS professionals and industry bodies prepare for the transition to updated workplace exposure limits (WELs) for airborne contaminants, commencing 1 December 2026.
A major almond producer has been charged with alleged health and safety breaches following a forklift incident, highlighting the critical need for robust WHS management systems and safe work procedures around powered mobile plant.
A New South Wales gate manufacturer and installer has been fined $50,000 after a 200kg sliding gate collapsed onto a mother and her three children, highlighting serious failures in WHS due diligence and safety controls.
Two construction companies have been charged following a serious fall from a third-floor balcony, highlighting the critical importance of robust WHS management systems and effective fall prevention controls on building sites.
