WHS & worker safety in New South Wales

PCBU 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.

NSW mining safety obligations (Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013)

NSW mine operators face mine-specific WHS obligations + Resources Regulator oversight.

Notify SafeWork NSW of notifiable WHS incidents

Death, serious injury, illness, dangerous incident — notify SafeWork NSW immediately.

Manage psychosocial hazards at work

WHS duty extends to psychosocial hazards — workload, bullying, harassment, role conflict.

Comply 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).

Comply with Heavy Vehicle Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

Every party in the heavy vehicle supply chain has a positive duty under HVNL.

Hold a Construction Induction (White Card) before construction site work

All construction site workers must have completed nationally recognised induction training (CPCWHS1001).

Maintain Hazardous Chemicals Register + manifest (WHS Reg)

PCBUs handling hazardous chemicals must maintain a register + (above threshold) a manifest.

Asbestos management — workplace + dwelling rules (state)

Asbestos work requires licensed asbestos removalist + asbestos management plan.

Notify state regulator of serious incidents (childcare)

Approved ECEC services must notify state regulator of serious incidents within 24 hours / 7 days.

Hold a High Risk Work Licence for HRWL classes

Forklift, crane, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, EWP and other high-risk work requires a HRWL.

Psychosocial Hazards Code of Practice (model + jurisdictional)

PCBUs must manage psychosocial risk under WHS Acts + state codes.