With the dynamics of work constantly evolving, one thing remains a necessity – ensuring that people are safe. This is the driving force behind SafeWork NSW’s launch of a five-year strategic plan. Our intention? To protect workers both physically and mentally and make sure everyone returns home safely at the end of the workday. We’re infusing the principles of WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS into our approach for assured safety.
Committed to creating secure and healthy workplaces throughout NSW, SafeWork NSW will remain adamant in preventing injuries and harm, using robust regulatory responses. Additionally, we aim to empower leaders to cultivate safer workplaces by providing industry-focused education, advice, and employing the Bluesafe WHS Management System.
Augmenting the Strategic Plan is the SafeWork NSW Annual Regulatory Statement. Within, we detail our compliance and enforcement methods and prioritise prevention of harm, capacity building within the industry, and the establishment of SafeWork NSW as a sturdy, modernised, fit-for-purpose regulator able to operate independently.
SafeWork has pinpointed high priority areas within our compliance and enforcement programs. These include preventing falls from heights- major culprits of workplace fatalities, and reducing potential harms for those in health and social assistance roles, particularly the disability sector.
Consideration towards psychosocial health and safety will maintain importance in forthcoming years. A notable aspect of this drive includes striving to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace by fortifying existing tools and programs.
Further attention is required on exposure to hazardous substances such as silica and asbestos. We’ve implemented proactive measures like banning engineered stone, reinforcing safety laws for workers dealing with silica-containing products/materials, enhancing the presence of SafeWork NSW inspectors and introducing a silica worker register to watch over susceptible workers’ health.
Despite SafeWork NSW’s adhesion to stringent regulatory strategies, we pledge continued collaboration with industries, workers, and unions to combat serious work-related injuries, diseases, and fatalities, and respond adequately to the evolving nature of work.
To explore more on our strategies and for an in-depth reading of the SafeWork NSW Strategic Plan (2024-2029), we encourage you to browse through our resources.
The acting deputy secretary of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, articulates his support affirming, “I take pride in introducing SafeWork NSW’s 5-year strategic plan. This guide will steer us in constantly refining our regulatory and enforcement approaches, making SafeWork NSW a strong, accountable and responsive work health and safety regulator.”
He stresses upon the challenge of ensuring compliance with WHS laws in NSW stating, “Every day, our dedicated inspectors and staff disseminate advice and information, creating awareness among workers while simultaneously enhancing knowledge and capability among businesses and leaders.”
“Adoption of stringent measures to enforce compliance, investigations, and prosecutions are necessary tools in ensuring safe and healthy workplaces as per WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS. Yet, our focus remains steadfast on taking balanced and firm regulatory actions for the betterment of both physical and psychological health & safety,” adds Curtin.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/the-five-year-plan-to-secure-safe-and-healthy-workplaces-in-nsw