Workplace safety regulator prioritising safety at the Sydney Royal Easter Show

Workplace Safety Regulator Prioritising Safety at the Sydney Royal Easter Show

NSW workplace safety inspectors and engineers are conducting inspections and supervision at the Sydney Royal Easter Show to guarantee safety of both workers and nearly 900,000 individuals expected to visit the event in upcoming weeks.

SafeWork NSW confirms inspectors have maintained a presence at the showground since 4 March, offering guidance and conducting checks across multiple high-risk activity areas. This early engagement helps operators address hazards well before gates open to the public.

What Safety Services Are Being Delivered on Site?

Officers from SafeWork are reviewing several categories of activity throughout the venue, including:

• Amusement ride operations and mechanical checks
• Proper forklift usage and material handling practices
• Traffic control across pedestrian and vehicle zones
• Work conducted in elevated areas, including rigging and staging
• Gas storage facilities at food stalls, checked through thorough inspections

Operators must follow strict safety standards for each of these activities, since ride operators, contractors and stallholders all carry legal duties under work health and safety law. Compliance services offered on-site aim to reduce risks before incidents occur, rather than simply reacting once something goes wrong.

Why Ongoing Monitoring Matters for Major Events

Large-scale gatherings like the Sydney Royal Easter Show bring together temporary structures, heavy machinery and thousands of daily visitors within a compact showground footprint. That combination raises risk levels significantly compared with standard workplace settings.

Regular monitoring by NSW inspectors throughout the event's duration means issues can be identified and corrected quickly, rather than waiting for a scheduled review. Consistent oversight also gives event organisers direct access to expert advice whenever a question about compliance arises.

What Has SafeWork NSW Said About This Year's Event?

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said, "The Sydney Royal Easter Show is an incredible event for Sydney and NSW, and SafeWork NSW is here to ensure that workers and those attending make it home safely at the end of every day."

"Our Inspectors will have a constant presence at the Show and will be providing advice and assistance where it is needed."

This statement reflects a broader approach seen across Australia, where regulators increasingly favour visible, on-the-ground engagement over after-the-fact enforcement at major public events.

Where Employers Can Find Further Guidance

Additional information is available on the SafeWork NSW website for employers seeking clarity on obligations tied to temporary event work. Businesses preparing for similar events should also review resources like our Workplace Health and Safety Show guide, which outlines practical steps for managing on-site risk during large public gatherings.

Employers running vehicle movements or forklift operations at events can benefit from reviewing guidance on managing vehicle safety in the workplace, while those handling temporary power setups for stalls and rides should consult advice on managing electrical risks in the workplace.

For teams documenting site-specific hazards ahead of an event, a digital job safety analysis template offers a practical way to record risks and controls on the go. Businesses wanting a broader refresher on general obligations can also learn more from our office workplace general safety resources.