SafeWork NSW Steps into a New Era
7 min read
A new chapter for workplace safety in NSW
From 1 July 2025, SafeWork NSW entered a new era as an independent, standalone regulator. For businesses across the state, this marks a significant shift in how workplace safety will be governed and enforced in the years ahead.
The regulator has set out its direction in two key documents, the Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and the Annual Regulatory Statement 2025–2026. Together, they reveal where SafeWork NSW is focusing its efforts and what business owners and managers need to prepare for now.
Why SafeWork NSW has changed
The shift to independence was described as a “once in a generation reform.” A new SafeWork Commissioner supported by a SafeWork Advisory Council that draws on industry, unions, experts, and people with lived experience of workplace injury and illness.
This change follows major legislative reforms, including the remake of the WHS Regulation 2017 (commenced September 2025) and more significant legislative change coming.
This new governance structure gives SafeWork NSW a clearer mandate and accountability. For businesses, it means the regulator will be more proactive, more visible, and more assertive in how it enforces safety obligations.
Strategic Plan 2024–2029 What Businesses Need to Know
SafeWork NSW’s new five-year plan sets a clear purpose to secure safe and healthy workplaces across NSW. For businesses, this means stronger prevention, smarter enforcement, and better support.
Focus areas - Preventing harm, supporting businesses with education and advice, using research and data to guide decisions, and working in partnership with industry, unions, and government.
For business owners - Expect more inspections and tougher action on poor performers, but also clearer resources and tailored support, especially for small businesses and vulnerable workers.
Measuring success - Fewer fatalities, fewer serious injury claims, higher compliance rates, and improved trust in the regulator.
National alignment - NSW will align with the Australian WHS Strategy 2023–33, meaning expectations here will match national safety benchmarks.
Regulator’s style - Transparent, consistent, accountable, and quick to act where risks and repeat offenders are identified.
The Plan also emphasises worker and stakeholder consultation, SafeWork will partner with unions, industry groups, and those affected by workplace harm. For businesses, this means consultation with workers and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) is not optional, it is central to compliance.
In short, the Strategic Plan signals a regulator that is smarter, more consistent, and more assertive, businesses that are proactive about safety will be well placed to thrive under this new direction.
Annual Regulatory Statement 2025–2026 Immediate priorities
Each year, SafeWork NSW sets out its regulatory focus in the Annual Regulatory Statement. For 2025–2026, businesses can expect inspectors to place particular emphasis on the following areas
Falls from heights — one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in NSW workplaces, particularly in construction and maintenance.
Harms to workers in the health care and social assistance sector — addressing high injury rates and the unique risks faced by frontline workers in hospitals, aged care, and community services.
Managing psychosocial risks at work (including sexual harassment) — employers are expected to treat psychosocial hazards with the same rigour as physical risks, implementing the hierarchy of controls.
Exposure to hazardous substances — such as asbestos, crystalline silica, and welding fumes, with a strong compliance focus on industries where these exposures remain common.
Injury from mobile plant, vehicles, or fixed machinery — ensuring businesses have effective controls in place to prevent crush injuries, collisions, and entanglement hazards.
These priorities highlight that SafeWork NSW’s approach is both industry specific and hazard focused. Businesses in high-risk industries, as well as those with exposure to psychosocial and chemical hazards, should expect greater scrutiny over the next 12 months.
What this means for NSW businesses
The combination of a long-term Strategic Plan and annual regulatory targeting mean businesses can expect
More inspections and greater visibility — The NSW Government has committed $127.7 million in new funding for psychosocial hazard management and workplace safety, with 51 new inspectors being recruited. Businesses should expect more frequent visits and checks.
Sharper focus on high-risk workplaces — businesses with poor safety records, repeat non-compliance, or exposure to psychosocial and silica risks will be in the spotlight.
Stronger penalties — SafeWork has expanded its penalty notice offences, covering failures to notify incidents, consult workers, preserve sites, or comply with notices, alongside serious breaches such as industrial manslaughter.
Broader compliance expectations — Compliance now extends beyond physical risks. Businesses must show they are managing psychosocial risks such as bullying, harassment, and work stress with the same rigour as traditional hazards.
Closer worker engagement requirements — Consultation must be real, not tokenistic. Businesses that do not actively engage workers and HSRs in WHS decisions should expect penalties.
What you should do now
To prepare, business owners and managers should
Align your WHS system with new priorities - Review whether your current procedures meet updated regulation requirements, especially around psychosocial risk, silica, and consultation.
Strengthen reporting and response processes - Ensure staff know how to report notifiable incidents and that managers understand site preservation requirements.
Target high-risk areas in your operations - Conduct fresh risk assessments on working at height, lithium battery storage, and psychosocial hazards.
Engage workers meaningfully - Establish clear consultation processes with workers and HSRs to show compliance in practice, not just on paper.
Plan for regulator contact - Assume you will be inspected and prepare your team accordingly.
Final thoughts
SafeWork NSW’s transformation, Strategic Plan, and Annual Regulatory Statement signal a regulator that is better resourced, more targeted, and more determined to drive down workplace injuries and illnesses.
For businesses, the message is simple, compliance is no longer about avoiding penalties; it is about actively demonstrating safety. Those who adapt early will be better placed to thrive in this new regulatory environment.
How Lane Safety Systems can help
At Lane Safety Systems, we work with businesses of all sizes to prepare for regulatory change. Our services include
Compliance reviews and WHS audits aligned to SafeWork NSW’s priorities.
WHS risk assessments and hazard management programs tailored to your workplace.
Strategic WHS planning to ensure your systems are future ready.
Contact us today to find out how we can help your business meet SafeWork NSW’s new compliance expectations and build safer workplaces.