Below is your comprehensive update on Australian WHS developments over the past week. This longer format is intended to provide more context, insight, and actionable takeaways. Use it for team briefings, board reports or safety committee reviews.
New model Code of Practice on managing the risk of fatigue at work
Safe Work Australia released a new model Code of Practice to help employers manage fatigue related risks. The code provides practical guidance on identifying fatigue hazards, undertaking risk assessments, implementing controls such as shift design and workload management, and monitoring worker wellbeing.
🔗 Safe Work Australia announcement
Implication / who it affects: All industries, especially transport, construction, mining and healthcare where shift work and long hours are common.
Action: Review and integrate the new fatigue management guidelines into WHS policies; brief supervisors and workers on their roles in identifying and controlling fatigue risks.
Safe Work Australia seeks feedback on National Safe Work Month campaign
Safe Work Australia is inviting feedback on the 2025 National Safe Work Month campaign to inform planning for 2026. Stakeholders can comment on which messages resonated, the effectiveness of campaign materials and suggestions for improvement.
🔗 Feedback invitation
Implication / who it affects: Employers, safety professionals and industry associations across Australia.
Action: Participate in the feedback survey by the closing date to ensure future campaigns address sector‑specific WHS challenges.
Plastic bottle maker charged after worker’s finger amputation – 14 Nov 2025
A & J Australia Pty Ltd has been charged under section 21(1) of the OHS Act and regulation 97 after a worker’s finger was severed while clearing a jam in a plastic granulator. WorkSafe Victoria alleges the company failed to provide a safe working environment and did not identify hazards associated with plant installation and use. A committal mention is set for 6 Jan 2026.
🔗 WorkSafe News
Action: Audit guarding and lock‑out procedures on machinery; update plant risk assessments; ensure workers are trained and supervised when clearing jams.
Updated incident notification guidance – 12 Nov 2025
WorkSafe Victoria has updated its Incident Notification guidance to align with revised OHS Regulations. Employers must notify WorkSafe immediately after a notifiable incident, preserve the site, provide a written report within 48 hours and keep records for at least five years. The update clarifies reportable injuries (e.g., serious lacerations, electric shock) and incidents involving plant, dangerous goods and explosives.
🔗 SafetyNet summary
Action: Review incident reporting procedures; train site managers on new obligations; ensure emergency contact details are up to date.
No other significant Victorian WHS updates were issued this week.
No material WHS updates for 10–17 Nov 2025
SafeWork NSW did not issue new workplace safety alerts, prosecutions or guidance within the week range.
Official news source: SafeWork NSW news.
No material WHS updates for 10–17 Nov 2025
Work Health and Safety Queensland did not release new workplace safety alerts or prosecution notices during this period (recalls excluded).
Official news source: WHSQ alerts and news.
No material WHS updates for 10–17 Nov 2025
WorkSafe WA’s most recent enforcement news predates the week range (e.g., a 6 Nov 2025 prosecution).
Official news source: WorkSafe WA news and alerts.
Recruitment drive boosts SafeWork SA compliance staffing – 10 Nov 2025
SafeWork SA announced a recruitment drive to expand its compliance and enforcement unit. The initiative will add 32 full‑time equivalent officers and specialist staff, including 17 additional inspectors, three investigators and three technical advisers. The agency stated that strengthening frontline resources will enable more inspections, advisory visits and enforcement actions across the state.
🔗 SafeWork SA news
Action: Expect increased regulatory presence; ensure compliance documentation (SWMS, risk assessments, training records) is current; proactively engage with inspectors during visits.
No other significant South Australian WHS updates were issued this week.
No material WHS updates for 10–17 Nov 2025
WorkSafe Tasmania did not publish new workplace safety news or enforcement actions during this period.
Official news source: WorkSafe Tasmania safety alerts.
No material WHS updates for 10–17 Nov 2025
NT WorkSafe issued no new workplace safety alerts or prosecutions within the week range.
Official news source: NT WorkSafe alerts.
No material WHS updates for 10–17 Nov 2025
WorkSafe ACT released no new workplace safety news or guidance during this week.
Official news source: WorkSafe ACT news.
AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 – Personal equipment for work at height
Standards Australia highlighted the publication of AS/NZS 1891.4:2025, which sets out requirements for selecting, using and maintaining personal protective equipment for working at height, including harnesses, lanyards, pole straps, connectors, anchors and horizontal lifelines. The standard aims to harmonise practices across Australia and New Zealand and reduce fall related incidents.
🔗 Standards Australia summary
Action: Review existing fall protection equipment against the new standard; update procurement specifications and training programs accordingly.
No other new standards adoptions or amendments were announced this week.
Ongoing projects include consultations on ISO 9001/14001/45001 revisions and adoption of AS 5532 (anchors).
Fatigue management: The release of the new model Code of Practice signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of fatigue risks; industries reliant on shift work should expect inspections and possible enforcement relating to working hours and rostering.
Incident reporting obligations: WorkSafe Victoria’s updated guidance underscores the importance of immediate notification and site preservation following incidents; non‑compliance could attract penalties.
Strengthened enforcement in South Australia: SafeWork SA’s recruitment drive will increase inspectorate resources, signalling more inspections and advisory visits.
Height‑safety compliance: Publication of AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 suggests renewed emphasis on fall‑prevention equipment and may lead to future compliance audits.
Update fatigue management systems by incorporating guidance from the new model Code of Practice; review shift patterns, workloads and rest provisions.
Audit incident reporting processes to ensure immediate notification, site preservation and written reporting requirements are met; conduct refresher training for supervisors.
Prepare for increased enforcement in South Australia by ensuring risk assessments, Safe Work Method Statements and training records are up to date; proactively engage with inspectors during site visits.
Review height safety equipment and training against AS/NZS 1891.4:2025; plan procurement or replacement of non‑compliant gear.
Participate in regulatory consultations (e.g., Safe Work Australia’s feedback survey on National Safe Work Month) to influence future guidance and campaigns.
Safe Work Australia – new fatigue code & feedback invitation safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Mirage News – plastic bottle maker charged (WorkSafe Vic) miragenews.com
SafetyNet – updated incident notification guidance ohsrep.org.au
SafeWork SA – recruitment drive announcement
Standards Australia – AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 summary standards.org.au
Compiled by: Work Safety Hub – Helping organisations build safer, stronger workplaces.
🔗 worksafetyhub.com.au