SafeWork NSW has reset its compliance priorities for 2026–27 around falls from heights, psychosocial risks, hazardous substances including silica/asbestos, and mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery. The release cites high incident volumes across these areas and signals a clearer compliance and enforcement focus.
Who it affects: NSW PCBUs, construction, manufacturing, transport, agriculture, hazardous-substance users, and employers managing psychosocial risk.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Map your FY27 WHS plan and assurance program against these priority risks. Schedule targeted audits of falls, mobile plant, silica/asbestos and psychosocial controls.
Source: SafeWork NSW — SafeWork NSW redefines its priorities in new 2026–27 Regulatory Statement: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safework-nsw-redefines-its-priorities-in-new-2026-27-regulatory-statement
NSW has appointed the first SafeWork Advisory Council as part of reforms to strengthen SafeWork NSW’s governance, strategic advice and focus on emerging WHS risks.
Who it affects: NSW businesses, unions, industry bodies, HSRs and WHS leaders watching regulator priorities.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Monitor future Council-influenced priorities, guidance and enforcement themes, especially in higher-fatality industries such as construction, transport/warehousing and agriculture.
Source: SafeWork NSW — Inaugural SafeWork Advisory Council launched: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/inaugural-safework-advisory-council-launched
SafeWork NSW highlighted sexual harassment as a workplace health and safety risk, with particular focus on health care and social assistance, retail and hospitality.
Who it affects: Customer-facing, shift-based, isolated-work and high-public-contact workplaces.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Review psychosocial hazard assessments for sexual harassment risks. Check reporting pathways, supervisor response capability and controls for work with customers, patients, patrons and clients.
Source: SafeWork NSW — SafeWork NSW to host Partnering for Prevention Industry Sexual Harassment Summit: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safework-nsw-to-host-partnering-for-prevention-industry-sexual-harassment-summit
A bakery was fined after a worker died from a fall of about four metres. WorkSafe says no fall-prevention controls were in place. The prosecution was Victoria’s second workplace manslaughter prosecution and the largest fine for a single offence reported by WorkSafe Victoria.
Who it affects: Employers managing roof work, maintenance, construction, loading/unloading, and other work at height.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Immediately verify fall-prevention controls, edge protection, permit/SWMS processes, contractor controls and supervision for all height work.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria — Bakery fined record $3.4 million for workplace manslaughter: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2026-06/bakery-fined-record-34-million-workplace-manslaughter
A driver died after falling about 1.2 metres from an elevated tailgate. WorkSafe said practicable controls such as guardrails were available.
Who it affects: Transport, logistics, laundries, distribution centres, loading docks and delivery operations.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Review tailgate and loading/unloading fall controls. Check vehicle-based work procedures, guarding, exclusion zones and driver training.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria — Transport company fined $330,000 over laundry death: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2026-06/transport-company-fined-330000-over-laundry-death
WorkSafe charged a manufacturer after a factory fire allegedly sparked by static discharge during decanting of dangerous goods.
Who it affects: Manufacturers, warehouses, labs and maintenance teams handling flammable liquids or dangerous goods.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Audit dangerous-goods decanting, bonding/earthing, static-discharge controls, ventilation, ignition-source management, training and emergency procedures.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria — WorkSafe charges manufacturer after Derrimut factory fire: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2026-06/worksafe-charges-manufacturer-after-derrimut-factory-fire
A demolition company was fined after structural movement trapped workers about seven metres up in a scissor lift. WorkSafe said high-risk construction work proceeded without the required SWMS.
Who it affects: Demolition, construction, refurbishment, principal contractors and height-work crews.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Reconfirm demolition sequencing, temporary support design, high-risk construction work SWMS, EWP rescue arrangements and stop-work triggers.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria — Demolition company fined $200,000 after uncontrolled collapse: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2026-06/demolition-company-fined-200000-after-uncontrolled-collapse
A taxi company was fined for failing to train and supervise drivers in safe wheelchair-user transport after incidents involving passenger deaths.
Who it affects: Passenger transport, disability transport, community services and fleet operators.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Check competency, refresher training and supervision for wheelchair restraints, ramps, passenger securement and incident escalation.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria — Taxi company fined for risk to wheelchair users: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2026-06/taxi-company-fined-risk-wheelchair-users
A laboratory was fined after missed follow-up biological monitoring for lead-risk work created ongoing health-risk exposure.
Who it affects: Laboratories, manufacturing, construction, firing ranges, recyclers and any workplace with lead-risk work.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Audit health-monitoring registers, biological monitoring schedules, escalation processes and worker notification for lead and other hazardous substances.
Source: WorkSafe Victoria — Bendigo lab fined $10,000 over lead testing failures: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2026-07/bendigo-lab-fined-10000-over-lead-testing-failures
WorkCover Queensland reminded employers to renew accident insurance policies, declare wages and manage payment requirements for the new policy year.
Who it affects: Queensland employers and payroll/claims teams.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Coordinate with payroll/finance to ensure wage declarations, renewal deadlines and claims-cost assumptions are captured in WHS and return-to-work planning.
Source: WorkSafe Queensland — Time to renew your WorkCover accident insurance policy: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2026/time-to-renew-your-workcover-accident-insurance-policy
WorkCover Queensland published updated allied health fees applying from 1 July 2026.
Who it affects: Injury-management, claims, rehabilitation, allied health providers and employers approving treatment.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Update return-to-work provider billing references, claims templates and internal approval guidance.
Source: WorkSafe Queensland — Updated allied health fees effective 1 July 2026: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2026/updated-allied-health-fees-effective-1-july-2026
WorkCover Queensland announced the target average premium rate would remain steady for the second year, with renewal actions still required.
Who it affects: Queensland employers, executives, finance and return-to-work teams.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Use renewal season to connect claims performance, injury prevention and return-to-work metrics with premium outcomes.
Source: WorkSafe Queensland — WorkCover Queensland holds premiums steady for the second year: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2026/workcover-queensland-holds-premiums-steady-for-the-second-year
A construction company was fined after a worker was fatally injured during lifting work involving steel columns. WorkSafe said the lifting device was not compliant, had no known rated capacity or inspection status, and directors knew it was not rated.
Who it affects: Construction, fabrication, rigging, crane/lifting, maintenance and plant owners.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Quarantine any unrated or unverified lifting gear. Audit lifting-device design, inspection, testing, data plates, rated capacity records and lift planning.
Source: WorkSafe WA — Record $1.75 million fine for construction company over worker death: https://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/announcements/record-175-million-fine-construction-company-over-worker-death
A worker was struck by airborne plywood after temporary covers were not fixed as required by the SWMS.
Who it affects: Construction, temporary works, concrete/formwork, civil and principal contractors.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Verify SWMS controls are actually implemented. Add hold points for temporary covers, edge openings and fixing methods.
Source: WorkSafe WA — Construction company fined $135,000 over injury to worker: https://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/announcements/construction-company-fined-13500-over-injury-worker
WorkSafe WA updated information sheets and flyers on Australia’s transition from workplace exposure standards to workplace exposure limits, which take effect on 1 December 2026.
Who it affects: WA workplaces with airborne contaminants, including welding fumes, silica, solvents, dusts and chemicals.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Start gap-checking SDSs, exposure assessments, air monitoring, controls and hygiene programs against the new WEL list before December 2026.
Source: WorkSafe WA — Workplace exposure limits are coming, prepare now flyer: https://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/publications/workplace-exposure-limits-are-coming-prepare-now-flyer
NT WorkSafe issued fireworks safety guidance for the approved Territory Day period, including safe-use tips, legal-use windows and disposal advice.
Who it affects: NT businesses, event organisers, councils, retailers, schools, contractors and workplaces near fireworks activity.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Brief workers on fireworks exclusion, fire prevention, first aid, emergency response and reporting arrangements around Territory Day activity.
Source: NT WorkSafe — Celebrate safely this Territory Day: https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/forms-and-resources/news-and-events/media-releases/2026/celebrate-safely-this-territory-day
NT WorkSafe reported enforcement action after illegal or banned fireworks were seized from a business owner.
Who it affects: Retailers, event operators, storage sites, transporters and businesses handling explosives/fireworks.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Confirm licensing, storage, transport and possession controls for fireworks or explosives. Remove any unauthorised stock immediately.
Source: NT WorkSafe — Business owner fined after search nets illegal fireworks: https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/forms-and-resources/news-and-events/media-releases/2026/business-owner-fined-after-search-nets-illegal-fireworks
NT WorkSafe published licensing fees and charges effective from 1 July 2026.
Who it affects: Businesses requiring WHS licences, registrations, permits or high-risk work-related approvals in the NT.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Update renewal calendars, budgets and permit/licence trackers for the new fee schedule.
Source: NT WorkSafe — Licensing fees and charges: https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/licensing-and-registration/licensing-fees-and-charges
WorkSafe Tasmania’s conference page was updated for the 2026 conference, themed around working safely in a changing world, including AI and changing remote/hybrid work risks.
Who it affects: Tasmanian employers, WHS managers, HSRs, HR/people teams and return-to-work coordinators.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Consider sending WHS/HSR representatives and capture regulator messages on AI, hybrid work, mental health and compensation trends for internal planning.
Source: WorkSafe Tasmania — WorkSafe Conference: https://worksafe.tas.gov.au/topics/services-and-events/conference
SA’s WHS Regulations now reduce the height threshold for high-risk construction work from 3 metres to 2 metres, requiring a SWMS before work starts above the new threshold.
Who it affects: Construction, maintenance, facilities, trades, principal contractors and anyone managing work at height in SA.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Update SA procedures, SWMS triggers, contractor onboarding and supervisor checks for work above 2 metres.
Source: SafeWork SA — Lowering height threshold will raise safety standards: https://safework.sa.gov.au/news-and-alerts/news/news/2025/lowering-height-threshold-will-raise-safety-standards
SafeWork SA updated advice on children’s coloured sand products suspected of containing asbestos, including steps for PCBUs to stop use, isolate areas and arrange competent asbestos assessment where relevant.
Who it affects: Schools, childcare, education providers, community facilities, retailers and workplaces that may have purchased coloured sand.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Check procurement records and storage areas. Isolate any affected product, prevent disturbance and engage licensed asbestos advice where required.
Source: SafeWork SA — Asbestos concerns prompt children’s sand recall: https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/news-and-alerts/safety-alerts/incident-alerts/2026/asbestos-concerns-prompt-childrens-sand-recall
A recycling company entered an enforceable undertaking after a worker’s arm was drawn into moving machinery between a roller and conveyor belt. Commitments include guarding, isolation, exclusion zones, lockout/tagout and training improvements.
Who it affects: Recycling, manufacturing, quarrying, waste, processing plants and machinery operators.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Inspect guarding, nip points, isolation, lockout/tagout, exclusion zones and competency for conveyors, rollers and crushing/processing plant.
Source: SafeWork SA — Crushing plant incident leads to big safety spend: https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/news-and-alerts/news/news/2025new/crushing-plant-incident-leads-to-big-safety-spend
A gym operator and director entered enforceable undertakings after alleged failures to identify and manage asbestos risks during demolition/renovation work.
Who it affects: Property owners, gyms, retail, hospitality, schools, landlords, maintenance teams and refurbishment contractors.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Check asbestos registers, refurbishment/demolition clearance processes, contractor due diligence and officer-level WHS oversight.
Source: SafeWork SA — Gym asbestos risk sparks major safety spend: https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/news-and-alerts/news/news/2025new/gym-asbestos-risk-sparks-major-safety-spend
ReturnToWorkSA published 2026–27 fee schedules for allied health, hospital, medical, mental health and return-to-work providers.
Who it affects: SA claims teams, return-to-work coordinators, service providers and employers managing compensable injuries.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Update claims/payment references, provider communications and return-to-work cost controls for the new schedules.
Source: ReturnToWorkSA — Fee schedules: https://www.rtwsa.com/service-providers/provider-registration-and-payments/fee-schedules
WorkSafe ACT issued advice after a prosecution involving a worker whose foot was struck by an excavator bucket, resulting in toe amputation. The regulator stressed that documented systems must be implemented, supervised and enforced.
Who it affects: Civil construction, excavation, plant operators, supervisors and contractors.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Test whether SWMS and procedures are followed in the field. Strengthen supervision, worker engagement, plant exclusion zones and corrective-action tracking.
Source: WorkSafe ACT — Safety alerts: https://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/health-and-safety-portal/safety-alerts
WorkSafe ACT reminded industry that low-height falls, especially in residential construction, can still cause serious harm or death and require practical prevention controls.
Who it affects: Residential builders, maintenance teams, trades and supervisors managing ladders, roofs, platforms and short-duration height tasks.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Review low-height work controls, ladder use, restraint systems and SWMS for work above 2 metres. Do not rely on height alone as a risk screen.
Source: WorkSafe ACT — Safety alerts: https://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/health-and-safety-portal/safety-alerts
A company was convicted and fined after a worker fell from a ladder while unloading roof sheeting in wet and windy conditions. WorkSafe ACT said safer controls such as scaffolding, EWP use and fall protection were available.
Who it affects: Construction, shed installation, roofing, crane unloading and contractor-managed sites.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Reassess unloading and roof-sheet handling methods, especially in adverse weather. Prohibit ladder-based tasks where safer platforms are practicable.
Source: WorkSafe ACT — News and media: https://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/about-worksafe-act/news-and-media
The Royal Australian Mint entered an enforceable undertaking involving more than $1 million in WHS improvements after a 2019 incident where a coin blanking press weighing about three tonnes almost fell on a worker during a forklift move.
Who it affects: Commonwealth entities, manufacturers, maintenance teams, mobile plant users and contractor-managed works.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Review contractor induction, mobile-plant traffic management, lift planning, plant moves, forklift/pedestrian separation and high-risk activity training.
Source: Comcare — Undertaking to deliver safety overhaul at Mint: https://www.comcare.gov.au/about/news-events/news/undertaking-to-deliver-safety-overhaul-at-mint
Comcare ran a webinar on controlling risks from potentially traumatic material, including vicarious trauma risks from records, audio-visual materials and static content.
Who it affects: Regulators, investigators, claims teams, HR, legal, complaints, child-safety, emergency-service and content-review teams.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Include traumatic-material exposure in psychosocial risk assessments. Check job design, rotation, supervision, debriefing, access controls and support pathways.
Source: Comcare — Comcare webinars: https://www.comcare.gov.au/about/news-events/events/comcare-webinars
Safe Work Australia noted research following voluntary recalls of coloured play sand products in Australia and New Zealand and directed duty holders to asbestos information and WHS regulators.
Who it affects: Schools, childcare, retailers, community facilities, procurement teams and any workplace that may have used recalled coloured sand.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Check whether any recalled coloured sand was purchased or used. Isolate suspected product and follow asbestos-assessment and regulator guidance.
Source: Safe Work Australia — Auckland University of Technology research on coloured play sands: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/auckland-university-technology-research-coloured-play-sands
Safe Work Australia released its 2025 report comparing workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia and New Zealand, covering scheme differences, coverage, benefits, return to work, disputes and cross-border arrangements.
Who it affects: National employers, claims managers, return-to-work coordinators and HR/legal teams.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Use the report to refresh jurisdictional comparison tables, cross-border claims guidance and return-to-work governance.
Source: Safe Work Australia — Latest report comparing workers’ compensation arrangements in Australia and New Zealand now available: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/latest-report-comparing-workers-compensation-arrangements-australia-and-new-zealand-now-available
Safe Work Australia released practical campaign materials for October’s National Safe Work Month, with the theme “Safe work is for life.”
Who it affects: All employers, HSRs, WHS committees and communications teams.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Build October campaign planning now. Align toolbox talks and activities to current critical risks and psychosocial hazards.
Source: Safe Work Australia — 2026 National Safe Work Month campaign kit now available: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/2026-national-safe-work-month-campaign-kit-now-available
Safe Work Australia reported that WHS ministers did not reach majority support for new exposure limits for nine chemicals and requested further work. No changes to those nine exposure limits will occur from 1 December 2026.
Who it affects: Chemical users, hygienists, laboratories, manufacturing, construction, mining and hazardous-substance managers.
Recommended action for WHS managers: Continue preparing for the broader WES-to-WEL transition, but do not update exposure controls for those nine chemicals on the assumption of a 1 December 2026 change.
Source: Safe Work Australia — Publication of Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Proposed workplace exposure limits for 9 chemicals: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/publication-decision-regulation-impact-statement-proposed-workplace-exposure-limits-9-chemicals
No changes detected this week for the requested WHS-relevant standards list. The Standards Australia public-comment portal had open drafts during the check, but none matched the nominated list. AS 1851 continues to appear as Pending Revision, but no dated status change in the reporting window was identified.
Who it affects: WHS document-control owners, compliance managers, facilities, electrical, fire, plant, PPE, confined-space, height-safety and pressure-equipment stakeholders.
Recommended action for WHS managers: No immediate standards document-control change this week. Continue monitoring AS 1851, AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 4024, AS/NZS 1891, AS/NZS IEC 60079, AS 3788:2024 and related public-comment drafts.
Source: Standards Australia — Public Comment Portal: https://comment.standards.org.au/
No additional ABC/AAP-only WHS incident meeting the stated rules was identified. An AAP item in the period duplicated WorkSafe Victoria’s bakery workplace-manslaughter matter, so the official regulator source has been used instead.
Who it affects: Newsletter editors and WHS managers tracking serious incidents before regulator publication.
Recommended action for WHS managers: No separate media-labelled item to add this week. Retain the regulator-sourced urgent incident items above.
Compiled by: Work Safety Hub – Helping organisations build safer, stronger workplaces.