What SafeWork NSW’s Changes Mean for Your Industry
“With SafeWork NSW gaining greater enforcement powers, businesses must prioritise compliance to avoid penalties and legal risks. Allied Partnerships Australia helps businesses stay ahead with expert WHS guidance, audits, and training – ensuring workplaces are safe, compliant, and future-ready ”
SafeWork NSW:
The New Powerhouse in Workplace Safety Regulation
The NSW Minns Labor Government is introducing a bill to establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone work health and safety (WHS) regulator. This move aims to strengthen workplace safety laws and enforcement.
Key Points:
SafeWork NSW will operate independently, ensuring it is a strong and effective regulator.
The previous government placed SafeWork NSW within the Department of Customer Service, limiting its ability to enforce WHS laws.
A new SafeWork Advisory Council will be created to provide advice to the Minister and SafeWork NSW, with representatives from employers, unions, WHS experts, and injured workers’ representatives.
A SafeWork Commissioner will be appointed to lead the agency, ensuring compliance, best practices, and engagement with workers and businesses.
Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, stated:
The reform will help prevent workplace deaths, injuries, and illnesses.
SafeWork NSW will be more robust, responsive, and capable of enforcing WHS laws while supporting businesses.
“This initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to safer workplaces in NSW, which means they will be expecting more from business compliance around WHS - more than ever before.”
The Role of a Safe Work Regulator
A Safe Work regulator is responsible for ensuring workplace health and safety (WHS) laws are followed to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. In NSW, this will soon be the role of SafeWork NSW as a standalone agency.
Key Responsibilities of a Safe Work Regulator:
Enforcing WHS Laws
Providing Guidance & Support
Engaging with Industry & Workers
Developing & Updating Safety Standards
Responding to Workplace Incidents & Complaints
By becoming a standalone regulator, SafeWork NSW will have more authority and resources to enforce WHS laws effectively, ensuring businesses comply and workers are protected.
Implications for Businesses
The establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator will have several implications for businesses in NSW, particularly regarding workplace health and safety (WHS) compliance, enforcement, and business operations.
Key Impacts on Businesses:
1. Stronger Enforcement & Compliance Requirements
Businesses will face stricter monitoring of WHS compliance.
Increased inspections, audits, and investigations—SafeWork NSW will have greater independence to enforce laws without political or bureaucratic barriers.
Higher chances of penalties, fines, or legal action for non-compliance.
2. More Support & Guidance for Businesses
Businesses will have clearer access to resources, training, and advisory services to meet WHS obligations.
The new SafeWork Advisory Council will provide balanced representation from employer groups, unions, WHS experts, and injured workers—ensuring businesses get practical guidance.
3. Potential for Stricter WHS Policies & Cultural Shifts
Businesses may need to review and update WHS policies to align with new standards and expectations.
Employers will need to proactively manage risks and create a stronger safety culture in the workplace.
4. Greater Accountability for Employers & Business Owners
SafeWork NSW will have the power to hold directors, business owners, and managers accountable for WHS breaches.
Increased pressure to document WHS processes, conduct regular risk assessments, and ensure proper training and supervision.
5. Increased Engagement with SafeWork NSW
Businesses will likely see more direct engagement with SafeWork inspectors, industry-specific compliance programs, and educational initiatives.
Opportunities to participate in consultations and policy development through the SafeWork Advisory Council.
What Businesses Should Do:
Review current WHS policies & procedures to ensure compliance.
Train staff and management on safety obligations and risk management.
Stay informed about regulatory changes and industry-specific WHS requirements.
Engage with SafeWork NSW proactively, rather than waiting for enforcement actions.
How Allied Partnerships Australia (APAus) Can Help
Allied Partnerships Australia (APA) can play a critical role in helping businesses navigate the changes brought about by the establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator. With increased compliance requirements, enforcement, and accountability, businesses will need expert guidance to mitigate risks, maintain compliance, and create safer workplaces.
How APAus Can Support Businesses:
1. WHS Compliance & Risk Management Audits
Conduct WHS compliance assessments to ensure businesses meet SafeWork NSW regulations.
Identify gaps in safety procedures and recommend practical risk mitigation strategies.
Provide backend auditing services to monitor and improve workplace safety practices.
2. WHS Policy & Procedure Development
Assist businesses in updating or creating WHS policies to align with SafeWork NSW standards.
Develop clear, structured procedures for incident reporting, risk assessment, and emergency management.
3. Training & Education for Businesses
Provide tailored training programs for business owners, managers, and employees.
Offer workshops and online learning to keep businesses up-to-date with regulatory changes.
4. Advisory & Support Services
Act as a liaison between businesses and SafeWork NSW.
Provide ongoing advisory services.
“With SafeWork NSW gaining greater authority, businesses will need proactive solutions to avoid penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage. APAus’s expertise in compliance, governance, and risk management ensures businesses are not just meeting legal obligations but also fostering a culture of safety and sustainability.”
"My passion is ensuring businesses have excellent business systems to support their workers - so employees are able to go home every day - without harm. This why we exist." - CJ Baldry Adams - 40 Under 40 Australian Business Award Honouree - 2023