SafeWork NSW has issued 14 compliance notices following a targeted construction site safety operation across the Wilton and Wollondilly region, highlighting ongoing concerns around falls from heights, mobile plant hazards and workplace safety practices.
The compliance campaign followed a Builders Breakfast and Toolbox Talk attended by around 80 construction industry participants and formed part of SafeWork NSW’s broader efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities in one of the state’s highest-risk industries.
Construction industry continues to face significant safety challenges
According to SafeWork NSW, more than 2,229 workplace incidents, including 13 fatalities, were reported from the construction sector during the past 12 months.
Falls from heights and incidents involving mobile plant remain among the leading causes of serious injury and death on construction sites.
SEE MORE: Tradie Tough Tests
To address these risks, SafeWork NSW inspectors conducted proactive compliance visits on 20 residential, commercial, civil and infrastructure construction sites throughout the Wilton and Wollondilly area on 11 June.
Inspectors focused on ensuring workers and mobile plant, including earthmoving equipment and site vehicles, were adequately separated wherever possible.
Safety blitz uncovers multiple compliance issues
The operation resulted in the issuance of 14 notices for non-compliance, including:
- Nine improvement notices
- Five prohibition notices
- Forty verification checklists completed across participating sites
The inspections targeted key risk areas including working at heights, mobile plant operations and psychosocial hazards.
While inspectors reported many businesses were meeting their safety obligations, the operation also identified ongoing concerns around poor site planning, inadequate supervision and insufficient controls for high-risk activities.
A lack of appropriate edge protection for working at heights was among the issues identified during site visits.
SafeWork NSW focuses on priority construction hazards
Prior to the compliance operation, SafeWork NSW inspectors hosted a Builders Breakfast and Toolbox Talk to discuss the organisation’s Regulatory Priorities for 2025-26.
Topics covered included:
- Falls from heights
- Mobile plant and vehicle safety
- Psychosocial risk management
- Exposure to hazardous substances including silica and asbestos
Inspectors also discussed workplace inclusion and the importance of maintaining safe and supportive environments for women working within the construction industry.
Growing focus on psychosocial risks in construction
A key area of focus during the event was the management of psychosocial hazards, which are increasingly recognised as significant workplace health and safety risks.
SafeWork NSW inspectors engaged directly with workers, employers and Health and Safety Representatives to provide guidance on identifying and managing psychosocial hazards.
These risks can include:
- Workplace bullying and harassment
- Excessive work pressure
- Exposure to traumatic events
- Occupational violence
- Hazardous workplace environments
The regulator provided information and resources designed to help businesses strengthen psychological health and safety practices across construction workplaces.
Rebate available for construction safety improvements
Eligible attendees at the Builders Breakfast and Toolbox Talk were also able to apply for the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate, which provides up to $1,000 to help fund workplace safety improvements.
The rebate can be used for a range of safety initiatives, including platform ladders, edge protection systems and other equipment designed to reduce workplace risks.
Construction site safety remains a priority
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said the compliance operation demonstrated both the progress being made across the industry and the work still required to improve safety outcomes.
“The construction industry is one of NSW’s highest risk industries, and every year too many workers are killed or injured on NSW construction sites,” Ms Schorer said.
While many businesses demonstrated strong safety practices during the inspections, she noted the compliance results highlighted the need for continued improvement across the sector.
The Wilton and Wollondilly operation forms part of SafeWork NSW’s ongoing program of education, engagement and enforcement activities aimed at reducing workplace injuries and ensuring construction workers return home safely at the end of each day.
