NSW announces changes to COVID-19 notification requirements

NSW Announces Changes to COVID-19 Notification Requirements

NSW businesses no longer need to notify SafeWork if a worker tests positive for COVID-19, following changes announced by the State Government.

On 20 January 2022, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard issued an exemption to Clause 11 of the Public Health Order 2021, which previously stated that "a person conducting a business or undertaking must notify SafeWork NSW if the person becomes aware that a worker of the business or undertaking is diagnosed with COVID-19."

What the Amendments Mean for Employers

Under these amendments, businesses only need to notify SafeWork if a worker is hospitalised and/or dies as a result of contracting COVID-19 at a workplace.

This shift reduces administrative burden for employers while maintaining focus on serious health outcomes rather than routine positive cases.

SafeWork NSW's Regulatory Approach

SafeWork NSW recently issued a Statement of Regulatory Intent outlining its enforcement approach to ensure compliance with WHS legislation during the pandemic.

The statement notes that "SafeWork NSW will take a practical approach to enforce the reporting requirements in relation to COVID-19. The agency does expect businesses to be diligent in reporting any hospitalisation (where treatment as an in-patient in a hospital is required), and any fatality where the worker contracted COVID-19, or is likely to have contracted COVID-19, at the workplace."

For further details on this legislation, read the full story on the SafeWork NSW Statement of Regulatory Intent or visit the official NSW Health website for updates on public health orders.

How Other States Compare

NSW isn't alone in revising its approach to pandemic reporting. Businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions should also review changes to COVID-19 notification requirements in Victoria and notification requirements for confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Northern Territory, since isolation requirements and reporting thresholds differ between states.

Supporting Workplace Safety and Compliance

Staying informed on evolving health regulations remains critical for organisations committed to safety. Employers should keep accurate documents on hand for public inspection and ensure their teams understand current obligations.

SafetyDocs offers a range of resources to help businesses manage pandemic-related risks, including a COVID-19 Safety Plan template and a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy to support workplace health measures.

Businesses can also use a Compliance Requirements Register as one of several resources to track changes to legislation and ensure ongoing safety compliance.

For a broader overview of pandemic-related safety guidance, visit our Coronavirus | COVID-19 Documents hub, where businesses can find additional tools to support health and safety obligations under current NSW Health directives.