The Building and Construction Industry Work Health and Safety Blueprint to 2026 flags a change in approach from SafeWork NSW:
- Increase in compliance actions such as prosecutions, enforceable undertakings and infringement notices, particularly around the targeted ‘zero tolerance harms’.
- Increase in prosecutions for inadequate control of hazards in businesses identified as having a history of poor safety compliance (e.g. repeat offenders) – even where an incident has not occurred.
- There will no longer be pre-announcement of the target locations
They will also be identifying and engaging with high-risk businesses to help improve their compliance. More advice, collaboration, resources, and guidance for industry are also planned.
Zero tolerance harms
SafeWork NSW have identified three key hazard areas which will be enforced with compliance actions every time harm is caused. It is vital your business identifies and manages the hazards and risks associated with these areas:
- Falls from heights
- Electrical safety
- Moving plant
Key hazards
The blueprint also outlines the major hazard areas identified for the different segments of the building and construction industry, to help target focus on the key areas of risk.
You should review your safety systems to ensure you have good controls in place in your business:
Residential house construction (Class 1)
- Falls from heights
- Falls on the same level
- Contact with electricity
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Asbestos exposure
- Crystalline silica exposure
- Mental health
- Fatigue
Further information
SafeWork NSW
