$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 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.

The 12-minute SafeWork NSW Small Business Easy to do WHS webinar is no longer an eligible education activity for the Small Business rebate (Note: if you have completed the webinar in the 12 months prior to 1 June 2024, you can still submit your application).

Eligible education activities

The business owner must complete an eligible SafeWork NSW education activity in the 12 months prior to applying. An eligible education activity includes either an inspector interaction or eligible event.

Inspector interaction

If you're a sole trader or a small business owner with up to 50 employees, you can book an interaction with an inspector.

A local SafeWork NSW inspector will provide practical WHS advice specific to your business and industry, so that you can make your workplace safer.

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

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

Request an inspector interaction

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

There may be other reasons a Safework NSW inspector visits your workplace. This could qualify as an eligible education activity. The inspector can provide you with a reference number for your online application.

Eligible event

Eligible events include:

• field days
• presentations
• industry events
• business forums
• workshops

View eligible events*

*Please note that some events are not eligible for the Small Business Rebate Program. Please register only for events that clearly indicate, "By attending this event you may be eligible for the $1000 SafeWork small business rebate.” in the events body. 

Additionally, registering for an event will not make you eligible for the Small Business Rebate. Attendance is required, as the organisers will record attendance at the event.

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.