SafeWork NSW Releases 2026-27 Regulatory Statement Outlining Key Priorities
SafeWork NSW has released its 2026-27 Regulatory Statement, prioritizing falls from heights, psychosocial risks, hazardous substances, and mobile plant.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by SafeWork NSW.
2026-27 Regulatory Priorities
SafeWork NSW has released its 2026-27 Regulatory Statement, identifying four primary focus areas for the upcoming year: falls from heights, psychosocial risks, hazardous substances, and mobile plant, vehicles, and fixed machinery.
According to the regulator, these hazards remain the leading contributors to serious workplace injuries and fatalities in New South Wales. Over the past 12 months, SafeWork NSW recorded more than 600 incidents and five fatalities related to falls from heights, alongside over 500 incidents and eight fatalities involving mobile plant.
During the same period, the agency reported receiving more than 2,200 service requests regarding psychosocial hazards and issuing over 145 silica-related notices, with more than 45 reported silicosis cases.
Recent Initiatives and Reforms
The regulatory statement outlines commitments to enforcing compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) Codes of Practice and targeting initiatives for high-risk demographics, including young and migrant workers.
SafeWork NSW noted several initiatives implemented over the past year, including the establishment of the SafeWork Advisory Council, a $127.7 million expansion of its psychosocial inspectorate, and the launch of the Silica Worker Register, which has recorded over 15,000 workers since October 2025. The agency also highlighted legislative reforms making WHS Codes of Practice legally enforceable.
Commissioner's Comment
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer stated,
"Since becoming a standalone regulator, we’ve not seen much of a change in our regulatory priorities between 2025/26 and 2026/27. This signals to me that, while we have work to do as a regulator, it’s also important for businesses in those key priority areas to think really seriously about their work health and safety in terms of what is working well and what needs to be improved."
