$1,000 SafeWork small business rebate

To prove you are an eligible business, supply your ABN. 

The rebate is only available to businesses and sole traders registered and operating and/or in NSW who employ less than 50 people. Charities and not for profits can also apply. 

Before you submit your application, please read the terms and conditions.

Eligible education activities

The business owner must complete an eligible SafeWork NSW education activity in the 12 months prior to applying for a rebate.

Types of education activities available:

There are two education activity options available depending on the needs of your business.
These are:

• scheduled group presentations and events
• personalised Inspector visit/interaction.

You only need to choose one of these options.

Scheduled group presentations and events

SafeWork NSW hosts presentations and events that qualify for the $1,000 Small Business Rebate. These include online group presentations with an Inspector, field days, industry events, business forums, and workshops.

View upcoming events on the SafeWork website

Use the "Small Business Rebate" filter (on the right-hand side of the events page) to find eligible events.

Note:

• Only register for events that specifically mention the $1000 Small Business Rebate.
• Your attendance and interactions will be recorded and reviewed as part of your rebate application.

Scheduled group presentations

Scheduled group presentations are conducted by an Inspector with a group of other like-minded small business owners and are usually online.

Most businesses applying for a rebate will be able to meet eligible education requirements by attending a group presentation.

Is this option right for you?

A group presentation is for small business owners who require general safety advice, and do not need a 1:1 personal interaction with an Inspector.

To be eligible, you must attend the full online or in-person presentation. Your attendance will be recorded and reviewed as part of your rebate application.

During the presentation, you'll learn:

• your role and responsibilities in workplace health and safety, as well as that of your employees or colleagues
• key health and safety hazards and how to manage them effectively
• answers to common safety questions and how you can get further information on workplace health and safety.

You'll have an opportunity to ask questions. 

Some presentations may focus on risks in a specific industry or on specific hazards.

Sessions typically last 1 to 1.5 hours, but the duration may vary. Please check the online event description for specific details about dates, times, and length.

Other pre-scheduled events

If attending an eligible field day, industry event, business forum or workshop, you must have a meaningful interaction with a SafeWork NSW Inspector. This typically involves a 1:1 discussion with the Inspector or attending their SafeWork presentation at the event.

Your attendance and interactions will be recorded and reviewed as part of your rebate application.

Personalised Inspector visit/interaction

If you need specific health and safety advice, work in a high risk industry or want to meet an Inspector on a 1:1 basis, and you meet other eligibility criteria you can book an individual appointment with an Inspector.

Is this option right for you?

A local SafeWork NSW Inspector will offer work health and safety advice specific to your business needs and circumstances.

Depending on the circumstances of your business, your interaction will be:

• a visit to your work premises
• at a SafeWork office
• or online/phone*.

If you select this option, you may need to explain how it meets your business needs. SafeWork NSW may recommend that an online presentation or event is for suitable for your needs.

All requests for personalised Inspector interactions are prioritised and in non-urgent circumstances there may be some delay before an Inspector can visit your workplace. You will be kept updated on the progress of your request.

The Inspector will provide you with a reference number for your online application.

*If you choose an online or phone interaction, you will be asked to provide information on how this option meets your business needs.

Request an Inspector interaction

There may be other reasons a Safework NSW Inspector visits your workplace . This could qualify as an eligible education activity. – please discuss this with the Inspector at the time of the visit. The Inspector can provide you with a reference number for your online application.

To prove you have purchased eligible safety item/s, attach the invoice/receipts and proof of payment to your application.

Proof of payment must be a bank statement showing payment has been made, or if you paid cash for your item, you will need to provide written evidence from the supplier to confirm the invoice has been paid in full with cash. 

Invoices must show:

• the supplier’s name and ABN
• your business’ name, address and ABN/ACN/BRN number
• payment date
• item cost
• description of the item.

Receipts, including EFTPOS receipts, must show:

• the supplier’s name and ABN
• payment date
• item cost
• description of the item.

Invoices, receipts and proof of payment must be dated up to 12 months prior to the date of application. 

If the total purchase is under $1,000 (ex GST), we'll reimburse you that amount. If the total purchase is over $1,000 (ex GST), we'll reimburse $1,000. Please include all relevant invoices/proof of payment in your application as you can only submit one rebate application in a 5 year period. 

Eligible safety items

There are a range of eligible safety items you can purchase to improve the health and safety of workers in your business. 

See a full list of eligible safety items

There are some items we can't pay for, including:

• GST, freight and insurance 
• installation of items
• personal protective equipment (e.g. standard ear muffs, hats, boots, work wear)
• tools of trade (e.g. power tools, drills, saws)
• air purifiers
• medical equipment (e.g. health monitoring devices)
• normal business expenses, including maintenance and repairs, salaries and office equipment 
• raw materials used to make something (e.g. wood, nails, screws)
• items that may be used for domestic or household purposes
• licences, memberships, training, testing services, rehabilitation, counselling or vaccination services.

Items must also be existing products, not second-hand or manufactured specifically for your business.