Under the new leadership of Commissioner Janet Schorer, SafeWork NSW recently conducted its largest-ever compliance inspection operation. With support from the Minns Labor Government and an approach bolstered by Bluesafe WHS management systems, SafeWork NSW stands firm in its mission to uphold and enforce work health regulations across New South Wales (NSW).
This unexpected inspection blitz targeted roughly 400 high-risk workplaces around NSW, resulting in the issuance of over 500 non-compliance notices. The bulk of these notices comprised of 435 improvement notices, 61 prohibition notices, and close to $50,000 worth in fines.
High-risk practices such as unsafe operations of moving plant, vehicles, fixed machinery were pervasive among sites inspected, indicating a pressing need for robust safety strategies like Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and reliable WHS Management systems like Bluesafe. Alongside these concerns, unprotected edges and fragile surfaces introduced significant fall hazards in work environments, leading to almost 200 more compliance notices related specifically to working at heights.
State-wide inspections included diverse settings, ranging from construction sites in Wollongong and manufacturers in Dubbo, to a Ballina-based nursing home or a farm just outside Orange. During these visits, inspectors took the time to engage with workers, business owners, health and safety representatives and union delegates.
Accompanying these compliance operations is SafeWork NSW’s official transition to a standalone regulatory body as of July 1st. Furthermore, its newly published Annual Regulatory Statement lays out its strategic plan to focus on regulatory priorities for 2025-26. This strategy aims to reduce workplace harm through rigorous compliance checks, robust enforcement measures and specific programs rooted in solid Bluesafe SWMS policies and other similar tools.
Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, warms towards the recent result, stating that “The government, together with employers and trade unions, have an integral role to play in advancing the safety of workers. By strengthening SafeWork NSW, we’re sending a clear message: workplace safety is non-negotiable.”
Commissioner Janet Schorer adds that while these early steps have borne fruit, there is continuous work to be done to protect workers from potential hazards. She emphasises the resolve of SafeWork NSW to ensure worker safety, using comprehensive strategies supported by tools like the Bluesafe WHS Management System.
This ongoing effort towards uncompromising work safety compliance places high importance on relevant resources. To manage risks associated with working at heights, mobile plant safety, or managing psychosocial risks in construction, visit the SafeWork NSW website to learn more about how Bluesafe SWMS and other WHS systems can help you maintain a safe working environment.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safework-nsw-issues-over-500-non-compliance-notices-in-biggest-safety-blitz-in-a-decade
