Over 200 employees hit with non-compliance notices
More than 200 employers in New South Wales received non-compliance notices in SafeWork NSW's largest compliance blitz since becoming a standalone regulator this year.
The blitz, conducted between October 13 and 15, saw 250 SafeWork NSW inspectors carrying out 570 unannounced workplace checks as part of National SafeWork Month.
It resulted in 736 non-compliance notices issued to 261 employers across the state. These included
- 209 notices for non-compliance with safety requirements relating to work at heights
- 175 notices related to the operation of mobile plant, vehicles, and fixed machinery
Ten fines were issued, according to the state government. They amounted to $63,300, with half relating to risks associated with falls from height.
"The SafeWork Month compliance blitz is a testament to the Minns Labor Government's commitment to improve the safety of our workers at work," said Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis in a statement.
"It's not just about compliance, it's also about being proactive, improving awareness, and supporting businesses to be safe and look after their workers."
Psychosocial checks conducted
Meanwhile, SafeWork NSW inspectors also carried out 228 psychosocial checks during the blitz.
The checks included targeted conversations with employers and workers around psychosocial hazards, as well as the steps taken to eliminate or reduce these risks.
Employers were also provided with resources, business toolkits, and awareness information for the management and prevention of psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
Psychosocial risks, including sexual harassment, were among the five regulatory priorities of SafeWork NSW during the inspections. The other priorities include:
- Harms to workers in the healthcare and social assistance sector
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals including silica, asbestos and welding fumes
- Injury from mobile plant, vehicles, or fixed machinery
- Falls from heights
"Compliance blitzes like this one are an important part of SafeWork NSW's strategy to proactively address high-risk activities across the state," said SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer in a statement.
"They strengthen SafeWork NSW's regulatory presence and reinforce the message that all businesses—large and small—must prioritise worker safety every day of the week."
SafeWork NSW was formally established as the state's independent regulator on July 1 under the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Standalone Regulator) Act 2025.
