SafeWork NSW Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan for Workplace Safety

SafeWork NSW has unveiled its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, aiming to secure safer and healthier workplaces across New South Wales. The plan focuses on proactive prevention, stronger regulatory practices, and collaboration with industry leaders to address evolving work health and safety challenges.

The key strategic actions include the following:

Data-Driven Programs: Implementing research-backed programs to prevent injuries and illnesses.

Targeted Compliance: Adopting a proportionate approach to enforcement, focusing on high-risk sectors and repeat offenders.

Industry Support: Providing tailored resources for small businesses and at-risk workers, as well as training for Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs).

Partnerships: Working with peak bodies and stakeholders to address WHS issues collaboratively.

Regulatory Advancements: Improving systems and processes for consistent and modern WHS legislation and policies.

Workforce Development: Building capability within SafeWork NSW to foster a culture of safety and accountability.

The High-Priority focus areas are:

Falls Prevention: Reducing fatalities by targeting falls from heights.

Health Sector Safety: Enhancing protections in health and social assistance, especially in the disability sector.

Psychosocial Health: Addressing workplace harassment and bolstering programs to support mental health.

Hazardous Substances: Increasing oversight and enforcement on silica and asbestos exposure, including a silica worker health register.

Acting Deputy Secretary of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, emphasised the importance of fair and firm regulatory approaches, stating, “Our five-year plan strengthens our commitment to secure safe and healthy workplaces, ensuring SafeWork NSW remains a responsive and accountable WHS regulator.”

This strategic direction reaffirms SafeWork NSW’s dedication to reducing workplace injuries and fatalities and adapting to the changing nature of work to protect all NSW workers.

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Sources

Safe Work NSW Strategic Plan: 2024 - 2029

The five year plan to secure safe and healthy workplaces in NSW - Safe Work NSW, 1st November 2024