NSW Government Seeks Industry Input on Critical Construction Safety Codes

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SafeWork NSW has launched two crucial public consultation processes this month, seeking industry feedback on draft codes of practice that could significantly reshape construction safety standards across New South Wales. The consultations, both closing on Sunday, 29 June 2025, focus on overhead protective structures and moving plant on construction sites—two areas that have been identified as high-risk factors in workplace incidents.

The draft code of practice for overhead protective structures addresses one of the most persistent challenges in construction safety: protecting workers from falling objects and debris. This comprehensive framework outlines mandatory requirements for protective canopies, scaffolding systems, and safety nets that must be implemented on construction sites where workers operate below elevated work areas. The proposed regulations draw from recent incident data showing that inadequate overhead protection remains a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction sector.

Industry experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that clear, standardised guidelines will help eliminate the current patchwork of safety approaches across different sites and contractors.

"We've seen too many incidents where workers have been injured by falling tools, materials, or debris that could have been prevented with proper overhead protection," said a spokesperson from the Master Builders Association of NSW.

The code specifically addresses installation requirements, load-bearing calculations, inspection schedules, and maintenance protocols that will become mandatory once implemented.

The second consultation focuses on moving plant on construction sites, covering everything from excavators and cranes to smaller mobile equipment like telehandlers and mobile elevated work platforms. This code aims to establish clear separation protocols between mobile machinery and pedestrian workers, a critical safety concern that has resulted in numerous workplace fatalities over recent years.

The proposed regulations include mandatory exclusion zones around operating machinery, enhanced communication protocols between plant operators and ground workers, and stricter requirements for traffic management plans on construction sites. Additionally, the code introduces new training requirements for both operators and site supervisors, ensuring all personnel understand the risks and safety procedures associated with mobile plant operations.

Construction industry representatives have been actively participating in preliminary discussions, providing real-world insights into the practical implementation of these safety measures. The consultation process reflects SafeWork NSW's commitment to evidence-based regulation development, ensuring new rules are both effective in preventing incidents and practical for industry implementation.

The timing of these consultations aligns with broader safety initiatives across NSW, including increased enforcement activities and the rollout of new digital licensing systems for high-risk work. SafeWork NSW has indicated that feedback from these consultations will directly inform the final versions of both codes, which are expected to be implemented in the second half of 2025.

With the consultation period closing at the end of June, industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide detailed feedback on both the technical requirements and practical implementation aspects of these proposed safety measures.

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NSW Government Seeks Industry Input on Critical Construction Safety Codes - NSCA Foundation, June 16th 2025