WHS Prosecutions in Australia What 2024 Data Reveals About Workplace Safety Compliance
Safe Work Australia has released the latest update to its Work Health and Safety (WHS) Prosecutions Dashboard, reflecting all publicly available data from 2024.
With enhanced filtering functionality now allowing users to sort data by industry, this tool provides insight into national enforcement trends and a clear warning for businesses that fail to meet their WHS obligations.
At Lane Safety Systems, we review data like this to inform our compliance strategies for clients. Here’s what the latest 2024 statistics mean for your business, especially if you operate in construction, manufacturing or transport.
Key WHS Enforcement Trends in 2024
The 2024 dashboard update highlights the growing enforcement pressure on high-risk industries. Key takeaways include
Rising Prosecution Numbers
317 prosecutions were recorded nationally in 2024, continuing a trend of year-on-year increases.
This suggests heightened WHS regulator activity and stronger penalties for non-compliance.
High-Risk Industries Under Scrutiny
Top 3 industries involved in prosecutions
Construction – 47% of total cases
Manufacturing – 21%
Transport, Postal & Warehousing – 5%
This mirrors ongoing regulator focus on sectors with complex risks, mobile workforces, and higher rates of serious injuries and fatalities.
Injury Severity in Prosecutions
16% of cases involved a fatal workplace injury.
49% involved a serious injury.
These findings underscore the devastating outcomes of WHS breaches and the need for robust risk management systems.
Penalties and Financial Impacts
97% of prosecuted businesses received a financial penalty.
Average fines decreased slightly in 2024 to $116,979, compared to $138,724 in 2023.
While average fines have dropped, this still represents a significant financial burden, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
Data Source: https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/interactive-data/topic/whs-prosecutions
What This Means for NSW Businesses in 2025
The 2024 WHS prosecution data sends a clear message, compliance is not optional, and enforcement is intensifying.
1. Construction and Manufacturing Need Immediate WHS Reviews
If your business operates in either of these sectors, you are statistically more likely to face regulatory attention. Reviewing your Safety Management System (SMS), training programs, and contractor safety processes is essential.
2. Documented Risk Assessments Are a Must
WHS prosecutions often involve missing or inadequate risk assessments. Ensure your workplace risks, including psychosocial hazards are formally assessed and reviewed regularly.
3. Failing to Prevent Serious Injuries Has Legal Consequences
With nearly half of all prosecutions involving serious injury, workplaces must ensure that risk controls are not only in place but effective and monitored.
How Lane Safety Systems Helps You Avoid the Next Prosecution
Lane Safety Systems partners with NSW businesses to proactively manage their WHS obligations and prevent regulatory action. Our services include
WHS Risk Assessments and Gap Analysis
Incident Investigation Support aligned with regulator expectations
Industry specific WHS Compliance Programs (Manufacturing, Transport)
Safety Leadership Training and worker consultation systems
Psychosocial Risk Management plans in line with 2024 legislative updates
Final Thoughts Don’t Be a Statistic
If you're unsure about your WHS compliance, especially considering the 2024 prosecution trends, now is the time to act.
A single incident can result in injury, financial loss, and irreversible reputational damage. The best defence is a strong, documented, and proactive WHS system.
Book a WHS Compliance Check Today
Contact Lane Safety Systems for a tailored WHS review, risk assessment, or compliance audit. We’ll help ensure your business avoids prosecution and builds a safety culture that protects your people, and your bottom line.