Civil contractors across NSW are being urged to double down on safety compliance following the biggest enforcement blitz in a decade by the newly restructured SafeWork NSW.
Marking a significant shift in the state’s regulatory landscape, SafeWork NSW has officially become a standalone executive agency as of 1 July 2025, with Janet Schorer appointed as the inaugural SafeWork Commissioner. Within days of the transition, the regulator conducted unannounced inspections at nearly 400 high-risk sites across both metro and regional areas, issuing more than 500 non-compliance notices, including 61 prohibition notices and 10 fines totalling almost $50,000.
For the civil construction industry, already operating in a high-risk environment, the message is clear: a more visible, more assertive regulator is now watching closely.
Key Compliance Risks for Civil Contractors
During the blitz, SafeWork officers focused on several critical risk areas, including:
- Unsafe work at heights – still a leading cause of serious injury and death on sites.
- Unsafe use of mobile plant and fixed machinery – common across excavation and earthmoving operations.
- Hazardous chemical exposure – including silica, asbestos and welding fumes, particularly relevant to demolition, tunnelling and roadworks.
- Psychosocial hazards – such as sexual harassment and work-related mental health risks, which are now under increased scrutiny.
Commissioner Schorer described the operation as the agency’s “largest proactive and targeted verification program in the past decade”, reinforcing its commitment to being a visible and active regulator.
What’s Changed – And What It Means for You
The Workers Compensation and Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which underpinned the creation of the standalone agency, also introduced new transparency obligations. SafeWork NSW is now required to:
- Publicly name high-risk workplaces and repeat offenders.
- Publish the outcomes of investigations.
- Maintain a stronger focus on enforcement.
NSW WHS Minister Sophie Cotsis said the blitz highlights the government’s “zero tolerance” for putting worker safety at risk, adding:
“The number of improvement and prohibition notices issued sends a strong signal that workplaces must lift their game.”
What Contractors Should Do Now
Businesses should treat this development as a warning and take immediate steps to ensure compliance with WHS obligations. Key actions include:
- Conducting internal audits of current WHS practices, particularly high-risk activities like working at heights, plant operation, and dust-generating work.
- Reviewing SWMS and risk assessments to ensure they are up to date and site-specific.
- Reinforcing worker training and supervision, especially for mobile plant operators and new workers.
- Updating safety plans to address psychosocial risks, including bullying, harassment, and fatigue.
- Engaging with subcontractors and labour hire to ensure they are also meeting safety standards.
Looking Ahead
SafeWork NSW has outlined clear regulatory priorities in its 2025–26 statement, and contractors should expect increased site visits, stricter enforcement, and greater public accountability.
The safest and most proactive businesses will not only avoid fines and disruption but also stand to gain a competitive advantage as principal contractors and government clients increasingly assess WHS performance in procurement decisions.
How can CCF NSW help?
How we support our members:
- Expert WHS advice tailored to civil construction
- Assistance with the Regulator including PIN’s and visits
- Access to safety templates, guides, and resources
- Updates on legislative changes and compliance requirements
- WHS audits and system reviews
- Training and workshops to build practical capability
Whether you’re a small contractor or a large operation, our team is here to back you every step of the way.
For WHS Assistance contact CCF NSW on 9009 4000.