SafeWork NSW is committed to securing safe and healthy workplaces in NSW and will continue to prevent injuries and harm through strong, responsive regulatory approaches, as well as supporting industry by educating, advising and empowering leaders to provide safer workplaces.
Supporting the Strategic Plan, the SafeWork NSW Annual Regulatory Statement outlines regulatory priorities and reforms for this year. This statement details our approach to compliance and enforcement, and prioritises our focus on harm prevention, building industry capabilities, and establishing SafeWork NSW as standalone, strong, modern and fit-for-purpose regulator.
High priority areas have been identified for SafeWork’s compliance and enforcement programs, which include reducing the number of falls from heights as it is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, and reducing harms for those working in health and social assistance, with a focus on the disability sector.
Psychosocial health and safety will continue to be targeted over the years ahead, with a particular focus on eliminating sexual harassment in the workplace by strengthening existing tools and programs.
Exposure to hazardous substances, including silica and asbestos continue to be a high priority with initiatives already introduced including a ban on engineered stone, tougher safety laws for those working with other silica containing products and materials, increased SafeWork NSW inspector presence and a silica worker register to help monitor the health of at-risk workers.
While SafeWork NSW will adopt strong and responsive regulatory approaches, we will continue to work closely with industry, workers and unions to prevent serious work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities, and adapt to the changing nature of work.
Visit the SafeWork NSW website for further information, and to read the SafeWork NSW Strategic Plan 2024-2029.
Quotes to be attributed to Trent Curtin, Acting Deputy Secretary SafeWork NSW
“I am proud to introduce SafeWork NSW’s 5 year strategic plan which will guide us to deliver and improve on our regulatory and enforcement approaches, and ensure SafeWork NSW is a strong, accountable and responsive work health and safety regulator.”
“Compliance with work health and safety laws remains a persistent challenge in NSW. Every day, our inspectors and staff provide advice and information to let workers know of their rights and to build knowledge and capability amongst businesses and leaders.”
“Where necessary, we enforce compliance and undertake investigations and prosecutions to help secure safe and healthy workplaces, but our focus remains on taking fair and firm regulatory approaches to improve both physical and psychological health and safety.”
