The NSW government says its move to strengthen SafeWork NSW is delivering results, with the largest compliance blitz in a decade leading to over 500 non-compliance notices issued across the state.
Marking its first days as a standalone regulator under its new Commissioner, SafeWork NSW carried out unannounced inspections targeting close to 400 high-risk workplaces and industries.
They were focused on SafeWork NSW’s five regulatory priorities and harms which cause the greatest risk to workers:
- Falls from heights
- Harms to workers in the healthcare and social assistance sector
- Psychosocial risks at work including sexual harassment
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals including silica, asbestos and welding fumes
- Injury from mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery
Unsafe work from heights and the unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery were the top two safety risks across worksites.
SafeWork NSW inspectors issued 506 notices for non-compliance, comprising 435 improvement notices, 61 prohibition notices and 10 fines worth almost $50,000.
Inspectors also engaged with workers, businesses, health and safety representatives and union delegates during these visits.
“The results speak for themselves. With over 500 compliance notices issued during the largest blitz in a decade, we’re showing that we are serious about protecting workers across NSW,” says NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis.
“There is zero-tolerance for putting worker safety at risk. The government together with employers and unions have an important role to play to better protect workers.”
The compliance operation coincided with SafeWork NSW’s formal transition to a standalone agency on 1 July and the publication of its new Annual Regulatory Statement for 2025-26.
“By establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator, the Minns Labor government is sending a clear message: workplace safety is non-negotiable,” says Ms Cotsis.
“This move strengthens our ability to enforce work health and safety laws, support businesses to meet their obligations, and drive real cultural change to prevent harm.”
