SafeWork introduces body worn video cameras to mitigate violence and aggression in the workplace

SafeWork NSW Rolls Out Body Worn Video Cameras Statewide

NSW Government has launched a state-wide distribution of body worn video (BWV) devices to proactively deter violent and aggressive conduct directed at SafeWork inspectors. This measure strengthens safety protections for frontline staff carrying out compliance duties across NSW workplaces.

SafeWork inspectors play a crucial role in assisting workplaces to uphold safety standards; however, they aren't always received positively on worksites. Moreover, inspectors may encounter hazardous conditions while engaging with personnel and job sites, especially in distant and isolated regions where emergency support services can take longer to arrive.

Why Body-Worn Cameras Matter for Workplace Health and Security

Violence and aggression against safety personnel remain a serious concern across many sectors, as highlighted in a recent report on violence and aggression in workplace settings across Australia. Body-worn video cameras (often called bodycams) offer a practical layer of protection, supporting both physical health and psychological wellbeing of inspectors on duty.

The initiative, titled "Enhancing our Safety, Enhances Yours," provides inspectors with extra protections through the use of body-worn cameras during high-risk site visits.

When Cameras Are Activated

Cameras may be switched on if an inspector believes they, or someone else, faces substantial danger of harm, or senses a risk of aggressive behaviours or violence unfolding nearby. This gives inspectors a clear, discretionary trigger for recording rather than continuous monitoring.

• Suspected threat of physical harm to the inspector or bystanders
• Escalating aggression during a site visit
• Isolated or remote locations with limited backup security
• Situations requiring emergency response documentation

SafeWork Leadership Response

Head of SafeWork, Trent Curtin, said the safety agency will not accept any form of violence directed at inspectors.

"Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their workplace and this is an important safety measure recognising the risks our inspectors take each day as they carry out essential workplace safety compliance duties across NSW," he said.

Broader Context: Body Cameras Across Australian Safety Agencies

NSW joins other jurisdictions taking similar steps to protect frontline staff. Northern Territory workplace safety inspectors are also adopting body worn cameras, while SafeWork SA has run campaigns addressing violence and aggression in the retail sector. These parallel efforts point to a growing national focus on protecting those delivering essential safety services. Employers across construction, manufacturing, and health sectors can support this shift by reviewing internal policies, such as a workplace harassment and conflict policy, and using documentation tools like a workplace violence report form or a workplace violence risk assessment form to identify aggression risks before they escalate.

Supporting Safety Across Every Workplace

Beyond frontline inspection roles, organisations managing plant, equipment, or high-risk operations should also consider updated guidance such as the Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice update, which reinforces broader security and safety obligations for employers. Businesses seeking practical resources can also explore the Workplace Health and Safety Show for further insight into current compliance trends.

Additional information on this rollout, including how SafeWork NSW inspectors will use body worn video during site visits, is available on the SafeWork NSW website.