Weekly WHS Round-Up  

Work Health & Safety Round-Up (18–24 November 2025)

This weekly WHS newsletter highlights key developments from Safe Work Australia and each state/territory regulator between 18 and 24 November 2025. It covers legislation and regulation changes, enforcement actions, safety alerts, standards updates, and industry guidance. 

National & Commonwealth Updates

• 20 Nov 2025 – Safe Work Australia: Gig Economy Workers’ Compensation Principles. Safe Work Australia released a national policy approach for workers’ compensation in the gig economy, setting out 5 principles to guide fair and consistent coverage for gig workers on digital platforms. Gig workers are usually classified as independent contractors and lack workers’ comp coverage; these principles (developed with input from regulators, unions, platforms and gig workers) give jurisdictions flexibility to extend coverage to gig workers. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

  Who is affected: Gig economy businesses (rideshare, food delivery, etc.), platform workers, and workers’ compensation schemes.

  Action for WHS managers: If your business engages gig-style contractors, monitor policy developments – consider how extending workers’ comp to gig workers might impact your contracts, insurance, and safety obligations.

• Safe Work Australia – Best Practice WHS Law Review (Closing 30 Nov). A best-practice review of the model WHS Act and Regulations is underway, with Safe Work Australia inviting businesses to provide feedback until 30 November 2025. The review evaluates current WHS laws against international best practices and could lead to future reforms. https://legalvision.com.au

  Who is affected: All PCBUs and officers nationwide.

  Action: Ensure your organisation’s voice is heard – participate in the SWA survey if you haven’t already. Also, stay alert for potential changes from this review, which may require updates to your WHS policies in 2026.

(No new Comcare-specific updates were issued during this period. However, Commonwealth agencies should note the above national developments.)

New South Wales (SafeWork NSW)

• 24 Nov 2025 – NSW: Asbestos Awareness Week Campaign. National Asbestos Awareness Week kicked off on 24 November, and SafeWork NSW reminded tradespeople and homeowners to be “asbestos ready” when working on buildings built before 1990. Homes and structures pre-1990 likely contain asbestos; SafeWork’s campaign urges thinking ahead (don’t start work until checking for asbestos via a licensed assessor) and getting a licensed professional for removal. https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au

  Who is affected: Construction and maintenance contractors, DIY renovators, property managers, anyone who may disturb old building materials.

  Action: Provide asbestos awareness training to workers (as required by law) and ensure an asbestos register is checked or an assessment done before any work on older structures. Use licensed removalists for asbestos and follow SafeWork’s guidance and online course to keep workers safe.

• 20 Nov 2025 – NSW: Retail Company Fined $90K for Wall Collapse Hazard. SafeWork NSW announced that Danebritt Group Pty Ltd, a retail display installer, was convicted and fined $90,000 after a 2022 incident where two workers were nearly struck by a falling sunglasses display cabinet. The wall display had been only partially secured when workers were stocking it, posing a serious “falling object” risk. The company pleaded guilty to breaching WHS Act section 19(2) (failing to ensure the safety of persons other than workers). SafeWork’s Commissioner noted that controls for falling objects (secure fixings, barriers, etc.) are well-known and expected. https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au

  Who is affected: Retailers, shopfitters, and any workplaces with heavy fixtures/displays.

  Action: Audit all fixtures and overhead installations – ensure shelves, displays and equipment are properly mounted and can’t tip or collapse. Implement falling object controls (e.g. secure anchors, secondary supports, exclusion zones). Reinforce to staff and contractors that any unsecured fixtures must be reported and fixed before use.

• WHS Regulation Update – Hearing Tests for Noise-Exposed Workers. SafeWork NSW has highlighted new requirements (effective 1 Jan 2026) for businesses with noisy workplaces to provide regular audiometric testing for workers. NSW has enacted Clause 58 of the WHS Regulation, meaning PCBUs must arrange baseline hearing tests within 3 months of a new worker starting in a role requiring frequent hearing protection, and follow-up tests at least every 2 years. Existing workers exposed to hazardous noise must get an initial test by 1 Jan 2026 safework.nsw.gov.au. Employers must pay for the tests and keep records.

  Who is affected: Manufacturing, construction, nightclubs – any businesses with noise above exposure standards (e.g. >85 dB).

  Action: Implement a hearing conservation program. Identify roles requiring hearing protection and schedule audiometric tests for those staff. Update induction processes to include baseline hearing tests for new hires in noisy roles. Ensure you budget and partner with an accredited audiologist for compliance. (SafeWork NSW has a new fact sheet on this requirement.)

(No additional SafeWork NSW prosecution bulletins or guidance were issued in this week beyond the above items.)

Victoria (WorkSafe Victoria)

• 18 Nov 2025 – VIC: Worker Charged in $527K Compensation Fraud Case. WorkSafe Victoria charged a 54-year-old worker from Ararat with 20 offences for allegedly defrauding the workers’ compensation scheme of over $500,000. The worker is accused of claiming weekly benefits from 2019–2024 while secretly working and earning income. Charges include obtaining financial advantage by deception (Crimes Act s.82) and multiple counts of providing false or misleading information under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. It’s alleged she submitted false “certificates of capacity” stating she wasn’t working, enabling $527k in payments. A court hearing was set for 21 Nov 2025 worksafe.vic.gov.au.

  Who is affected: All employers and employees in the WorkCover scheme (and insurers).

  Action: Ensure integrity in workers’ comp claims. Employers should verify any information if fraud is suspected and report concerns to WorkSafe. Emphasise to staff that fraudulent claims are criminal – this case shows regulators will pursue and prosecute deception. Robust return-to-work monitoring and honest communication are essential to protect the system’s integrity.

• 20 Nov 2025 – VIC: Fatal Farm Incident (Worker Crushed by Reversing Tractor). WorkSafe Victoria reported that a 68 year old farm contractor died after being crushed between a tractor and a hay rake attachment at a property in Foxhow (western VIC) . The worker was helping connect the implement when the tractor reversed, pinning him. WorkSafe is investigating. This tragedy marked the 49th workplace fatality of 2025 in Victoria and the third in the agriculture sector – notably, all three farm deaths involved reversing tractors worksafe.vic.gov.au.

  Who is affected: Agriculture sector – farmers, farmhands and contractors.

  Action: Reinforce farm machinery safety procedures. Never allow anyone between a vehicle and attachment during backing; use spotters and implement lockout/tagout when hitching equipment. Conduct toolbox talks on tractor blind spots and hitching protocol. Given multiple fatalities, expect WorkSafe to scrutinise farms’ traffic management and safe work procedures for tractors.

• 21 Nov 2025 – VIC: Charges Laid over Deadly Paint Factory Explosion. WorkSafe Victoria charged Indoc Pty Ltd, a paint manufacturer, after a fatal explosion at its Dandenong South factory in Dec 2023. In that incident, a flammable liquid ignited while being decanted into drums, causing a fire that killed a 57 year old worker and seriously injured two others. The company faces four charges under OHS Act 2004 s.21(1) for failing to provide a safe working environment. Specifically, WorkSafe alleges Indoc breached s.21(2)(c) by not conducting an up to date hazardous area assessment and by allowing non-intrinsically safe equipment in areas where flammable liquids were transferred. Additional charges allege failures to implement a safe system of work and to supervise use of proper bonding/earthing during drum filling. A filing hearing is set for 8 Dec 2025 worksafe.vic.gov.au.

  Who is affected: Chemical manufacturing, paint and solvent handling industries.

  Action: Review hazardous substances controls. If your workplace handles flammable liquids or explosive atmospheres, ensure Hazardous Area classifications are current and all electrical equipment is rated appropriately. Implement strict procedures for decanting flammables (grounding containers, eliminating ignition sources) and train and supervise workers on these procedures. This case is a reminder that inadequate hazard assessments and controls for dangerous goods can lead to catastrophic outcomes and legal prosecution.

• 21 Nov 2025 – VIC: Harvest Season Farm Safety Push. With the grain harvest ramping up, WorkSafe Victoria issued a “Make safety a priority this harvest” alert urging vigilance on farms. Warmer weather and long hours increase risks, particularly fatigue and machinery incidents. WorkSafe’s Chief HSO, Sam Jenkin, noted that fatigue combined with operating farm vehicles alone has led to deadly outcomes, especially among older farmers. The agriculture sector accounts for over 10% of worker deaths while only 2% of the workforce, with most fatalities involving farm machinery and vehicles. (Tragically, a death at Foxhow this week underscored this point.)

  Who is affected: Victorian primary producers – crop farmers, harvest contractors, agricultural workers.

  Action: Implement the farm safety checklist provided by WorkSafe: plan ahead for hazards (including weather extremes and fire risk); enforce adequate rest breaks and manage work hours to combat fatigue; ensure all machinery (tractors, harvesters, side-by-sides) is well maintained, guarded, and operated with appropriate PPE (seatbelts, etc.). Have daily safety toolbox talks and make sure someone knows where lone workers are and checks in on them worksafe.vic.gov.au. With harvest pressures high, investing time in safety planning will save lives.

Queensland (Workplace Health & Safety Queensland)

• 21 Nov 2025 – QLD: Asbestos Alert – Coloured Sand Products Recalled. WHS Queensland updated a safety alert on imported coloured sand after testing found small amounts of asbestos (tremolite and chrysotile) in various children’s play sand products. The brightly coloured sand, marketed for education and crafts, was imported from China and sold under brands including Educational Colours (EC) and Kadink (Officeworks), as well as some “Magic Sand” kits. The alert (initially issued 14 Nov and updated 21 Nov) lists specific affected products (Kadink 6×10g Decorative Sand packs; 1.3kg and 2kg colored sand tubs; certain “Active Sandtub” and Magic Sand sets sold at Kmart and Target). Retailers have been directed to pull these items from sale, and Australian Border Force is investigating the importers.

  Who is affected: Queensland schools, childcare centres, and any workplaces (or retailers) that purchased these sand products.

  Action: Cease use and quarantine any coloured play sand from the listed brands. Follow the recall guidance, isolate the product (e.g. cordon off sandpits or sensory tables containing it) and arrange for safe disposal as asbestos containing material. WHSQ recommends treating all colored sand of these types as potentially contaminated until more is known worksafe.qld.gov.au. Ensure staff handling cleanup wear appropriate PPE and consult licensed asbestos removalists if needed. Communicate with your suppliers to confirm none of your materials are affected by the recall.

(No other major WHSQ enforcement news or guidance releases in this period. Queensland businesses should remain aware of national issues, such as those noted above.)

Western Australia (WorkSafe WA)

• No significant new WHS developments were reported in WA during 18–24 Nov 2025. (WorkSafe WA’s most recent bulletins were earlier in November, including a record fine for a 2023 fatality and prosecutions over mining incidents. No fresh media releases were issued this week.)

Nonetheless, WA duty holders should note national trends – e.g. ensure any imported materials are asbestos-free and remain vigilant about compliance as other jurisdictions ramp up enforcement.

South Australia (SafeWork SA)

• Asbestos Sand Recall – SA Response. SafeWork SA continued to support the national recall of contaminated children’s sand. Following initial recalls on 12–13 Nov, the recall was expanded on 16 Nov to include Kmart and Target sand kits (a 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set, plus Blue, Green, and Pink “Magic Sand” sets) after further testing by FAMANZ. In SA, consumer and safety regulators worked with retailers to halt sales. SafeWork SA noted that while no respirable fibers were detected in samples and the risk of airborne asbestos is low, any asbestos in these products still poses a hazard. They provided disposal advice in conjunction with the EPA and specific steps for workplaces (PCBUs) to manage the recall.

  Who is affected: Schools, childcare centers, and retailers in SA that stocked or used the recalled sand.

  Action: If your workplace has these products, stop use immediately and isolate the area (turn off HVAC, close doors/windows). Engage licensed asbestos professionals for cleanup and disposal as needed. (The EPA has listed approved asbestos waste sites.) Also, anticipate potential inspections or inquiries – SafeWork SA administers asbestos control laws in workplaces safework.sa.gov.au and will expect full compliance with the recall.

  (No other new SafeWork SA regulatory changes or enforcement actions were published in this week. Notably, the SA Government’s initiative to boost SafeWork SA’s inspectorate (announced 10 Nov) is underway, meaning SA businesses can expect more frequent inspections soon.)

Tasmania (WorkSafe Tasmania)

• 20 Nov 2025 – TAS: Asbestos Discovered in Wind Farm Equipment (National Alert). A coordinated safety response is underway after asbestos was found in wind turbine lift brake pads at the Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Tasmania. The turbine operator, Goldwind Australia (a Chinese-owned renewables company), confirmed that imported brake pads in the tower lifts contained white asbestos. WorkSafe Tasmania, WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW jointly announced investigations, as other wind farms in VIC and NSW using the same Chinese-made lift systems are also affected. Goldwind immediately restricted access to all turbines with the suspect lift components and began extensive material and air testing across its fleet. Interstate regulators are collaborating to ensure the parts are safely removed and replaced, and exposure risk is controlled.

  Who is affected: Renewable energy sector – especially operators of Goldwind turbines nationwide (sites in TAS, VIC, NSW, QLD, WA). Also maintenance contractors at those wind farms.

  Action: If you operate or service wind turbines (or other imported industrial plant), audit for prohibited asbestos-containing parts. Cease use of any equipment suspected to contain asbestos and coordinate with WHS regulators on next steps. In this case, ensure no one enters turbine nacelles or lift shafts until cleared by safety authorities. This incident is a stark reminder to verify that overseas manufactured equipment is asbestos-free, as import bans can be breached. WorkSafe Tasmania has stated there is no public risk from the contained asbestos at Cattle Hill, but the focus is on worker safety during removal noticer.news.

Australian Capital Territory (WorkSafe ACT)

• 19 Nov 2025 – ACT: 70 Schools Closed to Remove Asbestos-Contaminated Sand. The ACT Government took the unprecedented step of temporarily closing more than 70 public schools after confirming widespread use of the recalled colored sand in school classrooms and playgrounds reuters.com. This decision, made on WorkSafe ACT’s advice, aimed to “eliminate the risk as far as reasonably practical” by allowing thorough asbestos remediation in each affected school. By early week, teams began assessing and cleaning sand play areas across schools and childcare centres. The ACT’s swift action went further than other jurisdictions (which generally did not close schools), reflecting a cautious approach to potential asbestos exposure.

  Who is affected: ACT school students, staff, administrators, and maintenance personnel.

  Action: For ACT school safety managers: ensure all recalled sand is removed following WorkSafe ACT and enHealth guidelines. Communicate transparently with parents and staff about cleanup progress and air monitoring results (so far, testing has shown no airborne fibers, indicating low risk reuters.com). Other workplaces in ACT using similar products should likewise halt use and follow WorkSafe ACT directives. Going forward, review procurement processes for educational materials, require suppliers to certify products are asbestos-free to prevent future incidents.

(No other specific ACT WHS regulatory news this week. The focus in Canberra has been the asbestos sand issue; WorkSafe ACT did not issue separate new guidance or prosecutions in this period.)

Northern Territory (NT WorkSafe)

• 18 Nov 2025 – NT: Cyclone Preparedness Safety Alert (Top End). NT WorkSafe issued an urgent safety alert to all Top End businesses after the Bureau of Meteorology warned that a tropical cyclone may form earlier than usual this season. Businesses in Darwin and northern regions were told to secure worksites and review emergency plans ahead of the potential cyclone later that week. This includes tying down or storing loose materials, checking scaffolding and structures are secure, backing up important data, and ensuring staff know cyclone response procedures.

  Who is affected: All industries in the Top End (construction sites, mine sites, farms, outdoor workplaces) especially those with temporary structures or loose equipment that could become debris.

  Action: If you operate in NT’s cyclone prone areas, activate your cyclone preparedness plan now. Walk through your site and remove or strap down any loose items (roof sheets, tools, signs, etc.). Verify that emergency kits are stocked and evacuation drills have been practiced. Ensure your communication tree is up to date to contact workers before and after a cyclone. This early season alert is a reminder that extreme weather can strike outside the “usual” window, don’t wait until a cyclone warning is imminent to secure your workplace worksafe.nt.gov.au.

(No other notable NT WorkSafe releases in this timeframe. NT businesses should also be mindful of national issues like product recalls and regulatory changes as they arise.)

Australian Standards Watch

• New Height Safety Standard – AS/NZS 1891.4:2025. Standards Australia recently published AS/NZS 1891.4:2025, updating requirements for the selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment for work at height worksafetyhub.com.au. This standard covers harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, connectors, horizontal lifelines and related systems used for fall protection. The 2025 update aims to harmonise practices across Australia and New Zealand and address modern equipment and techniques to reduce fall incidents worksafetyhub.com.au.

  Action: WHS managers in construction, telecom, mining, any industry with work at heights should review their fall protection gear and procedures against the new standard. Check that all harnesses and lanyards meet AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 specifications and that inspection, maintenance, and worker training protocols are updated accordingly. Procurers should specify compliance with the latest standard for any new height safety equipment.

• ISO 45001 and Related Standards – Upcoming Revisions. Globally, work continues on the next revisions of ISO 45001 (Occupational H&S Management Systems) and related standards in the 45000 family. While not yet released, Australia is actively monitoring these developments. Tip: Stay tuned for draft updates in 2026; early adoption of revised best practices (e.g. around psychological health management, which ISO might incorporate) can put your organisation ahead in safety performance.

(No other new AS/NZS standards relevant to WHS were released this week. Ongoing projects include updates to ISO 9001/14001/45001 – managers should keep an eye on these to maintain certification and compliance.)

Key WHS Risks & Trends to Monitor

• Imported Asbestos in Materials – Supply Chain Vigilance: Two major asbestos related scares (children’s sand and wind turbine parts) emerged this month, underscoring a trend: prohibited substances slipping into imported products. WHS regulators across jurisdictions are now on high alert for asbestos contamination in goods. Trend: Companies may face stricter import controls and more recalls. Managers should demand documentation from suppliers and consider spot testing critical materials to avoid inadvertently introducing asbestos or other hazards into workplaces.

• Psychosocial Hazard Management Intensifying: With Victoria’s new Psychological Health Regulations commencing 1 Dec 2025 and Safe Work Australia’s model Code on Fatigue just released, there’s a clear national focus on mental health and fatigue risks. Trend: Expect more enforcement of duties to manage psychosocial risks (like stress, burnout, bullying) and working hours. Industries with shift work, high stress, or remote work should anticipate inspections targeting how they control fatigue and mental wellbeing. Proactive step: conduct a psychosocial risk assessment and implement controls (as simple as adjusting workloads or improving consultation) before regulators knock.

• Rising Enforcement and Penalties: Several developments point to ramped up WHS enforcement. South Australia’s regulator is boosting inspector numbers by ~30% (meaning more workplace visits and audits). Victoria and NSW continue to prosecute breaches (fraudulent claims, fatal incidents, etc.), and WA issued its largest ever fine under new WHS laws in a recent case. Trend: Regulators are increasingly willing to pursue hefty penalties and even jail (with industrial manslaughter on the books in many jurisdictions) for serious breaches. Message for officers: ensure your WHS management systems are up to date and that you can demonstrate proactive due diligence, the stakes for non-compliance have never been higher.

• Occupational Health Focus – Noise and Disease Prevention: The implementation of NSW’s hearing test rules and discussion of tightening exposure standards (e.g. the reduction of the welding fume exposure limit safeworkaustralia.gov.au) signal a trend back to fundamentals of occupational hygiene. Trend: Issues like noise-induced hearing loss, hazardous substance exposure, and long-latency diseases (silicosis, occupational cancers) are getting renewed attention. Expect new regulations or guidance on these topics (for instance, other states may follow NSW’s lead on audiometric testing). Managers should not neglect “traditional” OHS areas while juggling newer concerns.

• Technology and Safety – Opportunities and Oversight: From height safety equipment standards to the use of data (Safe Work Australia’s policy work on gig platforms, etc.), there’s a push to leverage technology for safety (drones, wearables, etc.) but also to regulate it. Trend: Innovative solutions (e.g. fatigue monitoring tech, incident reporting apps) are emerging, and regulators are interested in how these can control risks. However, new tech can introduce new risks (e.g. psychosocial implications of monitoring). Keep an eye on: how your organisation can adopt safety tech effectively, and ensure any new tech is evaluated for WHS impacts.

5 Actionable WHS Recommendations for Managers

1. Audit Your Supply Chain for Hidden Hazards: In light of the asbestos scandals, verify that materials, parts, and products you import or use are free of banned substances. Request certificates of analysis where relevant (e.g. for imported building products) and have a protocol to quickly respond to recall notices. This protects your workers and your business from sudden disruptions.

2. Integrate Psychosocial Risk Controls: Don’t wait for an inspector to ask – review workloads, work hours, and workplace culture now. Use tools like employee surveys or hazard identification workshops to pinpoint psychosocial stressors (bullying, fatigue, role uncertainty). Then take concrete steps: adjust staffing or deadlines to prevent burnout, provide manager training on mental health, establish clear anti-bullying procedures, etc. A safer mental work environment not only ensures compliance with new regs but improves productivity.

3. Refresh Emergency and Incident Response Plans: With extreme weather alerts (cyclones) and new incident notification guidance (like Vic’s recent update) being hot topics, ensure your emergency plans and incident reporting processes are up to date. Conduct a drill or tabletop exercise for a foreseeable emergency (e.g. severe storm, fire, chemical spill) and involve your local first responders if possible. Also retrain supervisors on what must be reported as a notifiable incident and the importance of preserving incident sites, regulators are watching this closely.

4. Prepare for More Inspector Visits – Get “Inspection Ready”: Given increasing regulator activity, treat every week as if an inspector might drop by. Review your high-risk activities documentation, are your Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) current? Are plant maintenance logs and training records in order? Address any “quick fix” safety housekeeping items (like tidying worksites, labeling chemical containers properly, testing electrical equipment). Being inspection ready not only avoids penalties but often uncovers and prevents hazards you may have overlooked.

5. Invest in Health Monitoring and Training: Ensure you’re keeping up with emerging health requirements. For example, if you operate in NSW (or even if not – it’s best practice), schedule baseline and periodic hearing tests for employees exposed to loud noise. Likewise, for silica exposed workers, ensure lung health checks are done. On the training front, update your workforce’s competencies in line with new standards, e.g. provide working-at-heights refresher training aligned to AS/NZS 1891.4:2025, or fatigue management training referencing the new model Code. Proactive health monitoring and up to date training will help catch issues early and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement in safety.

Stay safe and informed! This concludes the WHS weekly update for 18–24 November 2025. For more detail on any item, refer to the linked sources, and look out for the next update covering late November developments. Remember: better practice is always evolving, a great safety leader is one who evolves with it. Stay compliant, and stay healthy.

Compiled by: Work Safety Hub – Helping organisations build safer, stronger workplaces.
🔗 worksafetyhub.com.au