SafeWork SA commences compliance campaigns in response to surge in occupational fatalities

SafeWork SA Commences Compliance Campaigns in Response to Surge in Occupational Fatalities

SafeWork SA is launching "industry-specific compliance campaigns" focused on various industries following a sharp rise in workplace fatalities recorded this year.

To date, 22 fatalities have been attributed to workplace incidents in the current financial year, prompting regulators to intensify oversight across sectors where hazardous conditions remain common.

Priority Sectors Under Review

The new campaigns focus on priority sectors including Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing, Transport, Forestry, and Healthcare. Each sector faces distinct hazardous exposures, from unguarded plant machinery on construction sites to demanding physical tasks within health and social assistance roles.

SafeWork SA partnered with industry stakeholders to identify where hazardous practices most frequently occur, particularly involving electrical systems, plant equipment, and heavy transport operations.

What the Campaigns Will Involve

Campaigns directed at key industries will involve on-site visits and compliance assessments designed to uncover and discourage unsafe workplace practices. Officers will pay close attention to:

• Electrical installations and maintenance procedures on construction sites
• Plant and equipment safety, including guarding and isolation of hazardous machinery
• Transport-related risks affecting drivers and logistics personnel
• Correct use of tools within manufacturing and construction environments
• Health and wellbeing protections for workers in high-exposure roles

Businesses operating heavy plant, electrical assets, or transport fleets should expect closer scrutiny, since these areas contribute significantly to reported fatalities across priority industries.

National Strategic Context

The WHS National Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2033 recognises Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Construction; Transport, Postal and Warehousing; Manufacturing; and Healthcare and Social Assistance as key national priority sectors. This framework, developed under national work health guidance, aligns closely with SafeWork SA's current compliance focus.

By targeting workplace hazards tied to electrical faults, faulty plant, and transport incidents, SafeWork South Australia compliance campaigns intend to reduce preventable harm across construction sites, manufacturing floors, and transport corridors statewide.

Related Reading

• Rising ATV fatalities prompt SafeWork SA warning
• SafeWork SA plan to reduce occupational lead exposure
• Compliance Evaluation Policy - archived

Discover additional information here.