Five year focus for NSW
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SafeWork NSW has issued a five-year plan to protect employees both physically and mentally.
The authority says its latest plan reaffirms SafeWork’s commitment to creating safer workplaces through robust regulation and support for employers.
“I am proud to introduce SafeWork NSW’s 5-year strategic plan, which will guide us to deliver and improve on our regulatory and enforcement approaches, and ensure SafeWork NSW is a strong, accountable and responsive work health and safety regulator,” said Trent Curtin, Acting Deputy Secretary of SafeWork NSW.
The SafeWork NSW Annual Regulatory Statement for 2024-2029 outlines the agency’s enforcement priorities, with a strong focus on reducing falls from heights - one of NSW’s leading workplace fatality causes.
The health and social assistance sector is also under scrutiny, especially the disability services field.
SafeWork also aims to improve workplace mental health, with plans to eliminate sexual harassment through stronger tools and programs.
“Compliance with work health and safety laws remains a persistent challenge in NSW,” Curtin says.
“Every day, our inspectors and staff provide advice and information to let workers know of their rights and to build knowledge and capability amongst businesses and leaders.”
Hazardous substance exposure remains a top priority, particularly regarding silica and asbestos.
Recent efforts include banning engineered stone, implementing stricter silica safety laws, and establishing a silica worker health registry.
Despite a strong regulatory stance, SafeWork NSW prioritises collaboration with employers, workers, and unions to adapt to evolving work environments.
“Where necessary, we enforce compliance and undertake investigations and prosecutions to help secure safe and healthy workplaces, but our focus remains on taking fair and firm regulatory approaches to improve both physical and psychological health and safety,” Curtin said.
More details are available in the SafeWork NSW Strategic Plan 2024-2029.