SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW
WHS regulator and workers' compensation insurer for NSW.
10
Obligations enforced
11
Enforcement actions tracked
2
Scope topics
Obligations enforced by SafeWork NSW (10)
- criticalCwlth + statesAsbestos management — workplace + dwelling rules (state)
Asbestos work requires licensed asbestos removalist + asbestos management plan.
- criticalCWLTHComply with the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)
From 1 December 2026 the 0.05 mg/m³ silica standard becomes a legally binding workplace exposure limit (WEL).
- criticalNSWPCBU primary duty of care (NSW WHS Act s 19)
NSW PCBUs must so far as reasonably practicable ensure the health and safety of workers and others.
- criticalNSWNotify SafeWork NSW of notifiable WHS incidents
Death, serious injury, illness, dangerous incident — notify SafeWork NSW immediately.
- criticalCWLTHManage psychosocial hazards at work
WHS duty extends to psychosocial hazards — workload, bullying, harassment, role conflict.
- criticalCWLTHPrepare a safe work method statement (SWMS) for high risk construction work
Before high risk construction work starts, a SWMS must identify the work, its hazards and risks, the control measures, and how they are implemented, monitored and reviewed.
- criticalNSWNSW mining safety obligations (Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013)
NSW mine operators face mine-specific WHS obligations + Resources Regulator oversight.
- criticalCWLTHHold a Construction Induction (White Card) before construction site work
All construction site workers must have completed nationally recognised induction training (CPCWHS1001).
- highCWLTHPsychosocial Hazards Code of Practice (model + jurisdictional)
PCBUs must manage psychosocial risk under WHS Acts + state codes.
- highCWLTHHold a High Risk Work Licence for HRWL classes
Forklift, crane, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, EWP and other high-risk work requires a HRWL.
Recent SafeWork NSW enforcement
- criminal conviction$375K2026Woodward Foods Australia Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
On 21 January 2023 a worker was seriously injured using a grain mill to prepare cattle feed.
- criminal conviction$800K2026ANJ Container Services and Bond Stores Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
A pedestrian was fatally struck by a reversing reach stacker (container-handling mobile plant) on 21 April 2022. The company was convicted after a defended hearing.
- criminal fine$390K2026Fitzmoore Group Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
Building and maintenance company; on 23 October 2023 a worker fell about three metres through a skylight void and was seriously injured.
- criminal conviction$555K2026Wumbulgal Agriculture Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
Farm business; in February 2023 a worker riding a quad bike hit a mound at speed and was fatally injured.
- criminal fine$675K2026LiveBetter Services Limited: SafeWork NSW prosecution
NDIS provider; on 2 February 2022 a client died from injuries after being placed in hot bathwater by two of its disability support workers. Guilty plea to breaching the duty to other persons.
- criminal fine$473K2026Northwest Recycling Centre Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
On 8 July 2022 a worker was fatally injured while trying to clear a blockage from inside the feed chute of a green waste grinder.
- criminal fine$450K2026Steel-Line Garage Doors Australia Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
A worker was seriously injured when struck by a forklift on 10 October 2022.
- criminal conviction$270K2026PHBC LH Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
Related company convicted over the same May 2021 skylight fall during roof cleaning above a retail store.
- criminal conviction$320K2026Pendle Ham and Bacon Pty Ltd: SafeWork NSW prosecution
On 22 May 2021 a worker cleaning a roof above a retail store tripped on a skylight and fell about 10 metres, suffering serious injuries. Guilty pleas to two charges.
- enforcement focus2025Safe Work Australia psychosocial uplift across jurisdictions
Each state WHS regulator continued psychosocial hazards enforcement focus through 2024-2025 — SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Vic + Qld particularly active.
- criminal conviction2024SafeWork NSW prosecutions 2024
Multiple NSW WHS prosecutions across construction, manufacturing + transport. New industrial manslaughter offence (mid-2024) increases exposure.
Scope topics
Source: regulator's own website. Rules Mate links and summarises — we don't republish full statutory text.