SafeWork NSW conducts safety blitz to improve construction safety

SafeWork NSW inspectors have visited 35 construction sites in Bankstown and Rockdale as part of a week-long safety blitz to improve workplace safety, focusing heavily on fall prevention, equipment compliance, and hazardous electrical risks across the industry.

This blitz forms part of a broader push across the Illawara region and beyond, where SafeWork NSW remains committed to reducing non-compliance on active sites.

Key Findings From the Safety Blitz

The safety watchdog said inspectors issued 86 improvement notices and 16 prohibition notices during three days of targeted checks.

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said falls from height remain the number one killer in the construction industry, making heights safety a top priority for site management teams nationwide.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to lives being placed at risk. This means a construction sector with no site taking unacceptable risks when it comes to working with heights,” Ms Petinos said.

“As a result of the SafeWork NSW inspections, two construction sites were fined $3,600 for failing to meet safety compliance around heights.”

Why Site Management Matters for Compliance

Strong site management practices help reduce risks tied to falls, faulty equipment, and improper demolition procedures. SafeWork NSW inspectors are conducting these checks specifically because inconsistent management on construction sites contributes significantly to preventable injuries.

Effective management extends beyond fall protection. It should cover:

• Regular equipment inspections and maintenance schedules
• Proper electrical safety checks before work begins
• Asbestos identification and safe removal procedures during demolition
• Clear reporting lines for hazard identification

Businesses seeking guidance on structuring their approach can review the WHSMP Construction Safety Plan, which outlines management responsibilities relevant to demolition, electrical hazards, and general site health obligations.

Electrical and Demolition Risks Under the Microscope

Electrical hazards and demolition work continue to feature prominently in SafeWork NSW's compliance activity. Faulty electrical equipment, unmanaged demolition debris, and asbestos-contaminated materials pose serious risks to worker health when management systems fail.

SafeWork NSW undertook similar electrical-focused inspections previously, as detailed in coverage of the electrical safety blitz conducted across multiple sites.

Demolition activities carry additional layers of risk, particularly where asbestos-containing materials are present. Poor management during demolition can expose workers to asbestos fibres, a hazard requiring specialised handling and disposal procedures. Any business managing demolition work involving asbestos must ensure management plans address:

• Asbestos identification prior to demolition commencing
• Safe removal and containment of asbestos materials
• Correct disposal following asbestos management guidelines
• Health monitoring for workers exposed to asbestos during demolition

For site-specific planning, the OHS/WHS, Environmental & Quality Site Management Plan provides a framework covering health, electrical, demolition, and asbestos management considerations relevant to compliance.

Supporting Industry-Wide Compliance

This latest blitz reflects a year-long blitz strategy from SafeWork NSW, reinforcing its role as a tough cop on construction compliance. The regulator's ongoing presence signals that management shortfalls around equipment, electrical systems, and demolition safety will not be tolerated.

Construction and civil works businesses seeking practical resources to support their management systems can explore Construction & Civil Works safety templates, along with specialised Steel Construction Safety Packages designed for high-risk equipment and structural work.

Further background on similar enforcement activity is available in coverage of SafeWork NSW's construction blitz aims to ensure compliance with safety standards across the sector.

Read the full story on the SafeWork NSW website.