SafeWork SA names new executive director

SafeWork SA Names New Executive Director

South Australia's workplace health and safety regulator SafeWork SA has appointed Glenn Farrell as its new executive director. This appointment follows a period of acting leadership within the agency, reinforcing continuity across its safety, compliance and enforcement functions.

Farrell has been serving in an acting capacity since January, following departure of former executive director Martyn Campbell. His confirmation as executive director SafeWork SA signals a steady transition for the regulator as it continues overseeing workplace risk across South Australian industries, including construction, manufacturing and healthcare.

A Message From Glenn Farrell

"With any new leader of an agency, it's important to recognise the great work that has been done over the past few years and build on this to continue to serve the South Australian public in the best way possible, to make workplaces safe through education, compliance and enforcement," Farrell said.

"Collaboration is key to making this happen, and we look forward to working with many different stakeholders to achieve our shared interests."

What This Means for South Australian Workplaces

Glenn Farrell's appointment as executive director comes at a critical juncture for workplace safety regulation across South Australia. Employers in high-risk sectors, particularly those managing hazardous plant, electrical systems and asbestos-containing materials, should expect continued regulatory focus under his leadership.

Key priorities likely to shape SafeWork SA's policy direction include:

• Strengthening compliance around hazardous plant operation and maintenance in construction and manufacturing settings
• Ongoing enforcement of electrical safety standards across industrial and commercial sites
• Continued asbestos management obligations for older buildings and construction sites, given asbestos remains a significant health risk in legacy infrastructure
• Education-first response strategies designed to reduce workplace risk before enforcement becomes necessary

Businesses operating hazardous plant or handling asbestos should review current safety documentation to ensure alignment with SafeWork SA's evolving policy expectations. Electrical contractors and construction firms, in particular, should monitor guidance updates as Farrell settles into the role.

Supporting Compliance Under New Leadership

Organisations seeking to strengthen their health and safety systems can benefit from reviewing safe work method statements and risk documentation relevant to their industry. For businesses managing electrical hazards, hazardous plant or asbestos risk, maintaining current compliance documents remains essential regardless of regulatory leadership changes.

Comparable leadership transitions have occurred in other Australian jurisdictions. Readers may also find our coverage of the NT WorkSafe new executive director appointment and the new executive director for NT WorkSafe useful for understanding broader trends in regulatory leadership across Australia. Additionally, our article on new legislation enhancing SafeWork NSW's authority outlines how regulators nationwide are strengthening their enforcement powers.

Read the original article on the SafeWork SA website.