NSW seeks public feedback on decades-old workplace codes of practice

NSW Seeks Public Feedback on Decades-Old Workplace Codes of Practice

NSW government has opened public consultation on five workplace health and safety codes of practice, marking one of the largest reviews of the state's work health and safety framework in recent history. Workers and employers across NSW now have an opportunity to shape how these codes support safer workplaces moving forward.

According to the State government, the consultation period for the first five codes of practice ends on Monday 19 June 2023.

Which Codes of Practice Are Under Review?

Five codes of practice have been identified for this initial round of feedback. Each addresses distinct hazards and risk areas relevant to industries operating throughout NSW:

• Work near overhead power lines
• Tunnels under construction
• Collection of domestic waste
• Safety in forest harvesting operations
• Moving plant on construction sites

These codes of practice are enforceable documents that provide practical guidance on managing specific hazards. Together they support employers in meeting legal obligations while helping employees stay protected from workplace risks.

Why This Review Matters for Workplace Safety

"Some of the codes have not been updated in 30 years and include working with overhead protective structures or the safe handling of timber," the State government said in a statement.

Decades without revision means these codes may not fully reflect current risk management practices or emerging hazards. A largest review of this scale gives industry stakeholders a genuine chance to flag outdated guidance and suggest improvements grounded in real-world experience.

For businesses managing plant, machinery or hazardous operations, staying current with codes of practice is essential — see our Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice Update for related guidance on plant-related hazards.

How Employers and Workers Can Get Involved

Public consultation gives businesses, safety professionals and frontline employees a direct voice in shaping practical, workable safety standards. Feedback submitted during this period will influence final content, ensuring codes remain relevant to actual workplace conditions.

Organisations seeking to understand how these updates might affect existing obligations can also review our Legislation & Codes of Practice Reference List for a broader view of current work health and safety requirements across Australia.

Additional information is available here.

Broader Context: Codes of Practice Reviews Across Australia

NSW is not alone in reassessing its regulatory guidance. Similar consultation efforts have taken shape elsewhere, including a related push to update crane industry standards — see NHVR seeks public feedback on crane industry code of practice — and workplace behaviour reforms detailed in new codes of practice target inappropriate workplace behaviours in WA.

These parallel reviews highlight a growing national focus on modernising health and safety guidance to address psychosocial hazards, physical risk, and evolving industry practices. Employers should treat consultation periods like this as an opportunity to influence practical, enforceable support for day-to-day operations rather than a compliance formality.

Support for Businesses Navigating Code Updates

Staying ahead of regulatory change requires ongoing attention to updated guidance, hazard identification, and risk mitigation strategies. Businesses across construction, waste collection, forestry, and tunnelling sectors should monitor this consultation closely, since outcomes will directly shape future compliance obligations.

For organisations wanting structured support in maintaining compliant documentation as codes evolve, our HSW Approved Codes of Practice Register offers a useful reference model for tracking applicable codes and their status.

Ultimately, this consultation reflects a broader commitment to ensuring NSW workplace codes remain fit for purpose — protecting workers from physical and psychosocial hazards alike, while giving employers clear, practical guidance they can rely on.