Have your say on SafeWork NSW's approach to work health and safety

SafeWork NSW is inviting the community, workers and businesses to have their say on SafeWork NSW’s approach to work health and safety in NSW.

SafeWork NSW has drafted a publication, ‘Our Approach to Work Health and Safety Regulation’, and commenced consultation with peak stakeholder groups, workers and businesses. The publication is the first initiative of SafeWork’s recently launched WHS Roadmap for NSW 2022.

Executive Director of SafeWork NSW Peter Dunphy said SafeWork cares about the health and safety of NSW workers as well as making it easier to do business safely.

“As the NSW work health and safety regulator, SafeWork NSW works with the community to reduce work-related fatalities and serious injuries and illnesses,” he said. “Our vision is healthy, safe and productive working lives, and Our Approach to Work Health and Safety Regulation outlines how we work with the NSW community to achieve this.

“It aims to provide clarity in relation to the functions and services of SafeWork NSW, how they are delivered and why they are important to ensure healthy, safe and productive workplaces. It also explains our approach to advice, education, training, compliance and enforcement, and represents our commitment to transparent, consistent and trusted services.

“I encourage businesses, workers, stakeholders and the general community to review the publication and have their say on whether it clearly explains our approach to work health and safety in NSW.”

Dunphy said NSW businesses across the state were already experiencing the benefits of SafeWork NSW’s approach.

“Whether it’s through our safety rebate programs or simply a conversation with an inspector or customer service consultant, businesses and workers are benefittng from our collaborative and supportive approach,” he said.

Hunter Valley sheep and beef cattle farmers Viv and Sonia Miller applied for a SafeWork NSW rebate to make improvements to their cattle crush. After accessing the rebate, they arranged a number of advisory visits from their local inspector to help them improve safety on the farm.

“We decided to put a cover over our crush. It’s up on top of the hill, which catches a lot of wind and sun, and it’s just a pure relief to get out of the sun at times,” said Miller. “I think it’s a great thing to be able to ring up and talk to somebody and be able to get some advice that I can actually rely on to be correct for what we are doing.”

Chris Hadrill, systems manager at North Constructions, regularly called on the advice of SafeWork NSW when the company expanded from small residential to larger, mixed-use commercial projects.

“Having that collaborative relationship with SafeWork does help, because it’s now more a case that people will discuss their problems rather than hide them,” he said. “I feel confident now to give them a call, ask for advice, and I’ll get closer to a solution a lot quicker by having made that phone call or having them come to our site.”

These stories can be viewed on SafeWork’s new video ‘Let’s talk safety’, featuring businesses that have experienced the benefits of working with SafeWork NSW.

Our Approach to Work Health and Safety Regulation has been posted to the Have your say website for public comment. Workers, businesses, stakeholder groups and members can download a copy and provide feedback until Thursday, 22 September at 5 pm.

For further information on work health and safety, visit the SafeWork NSW website or call 13 10 50.