SafeWork NSW inspectors conduct statewide safety search

SafeWork NSW inspectors have conducted a statewide compliance operation with a focus on mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicles in the workplace.  

The inspectors conducted the targeted operation to help reduce injuries occurring in the workplace. The inspectors issued more than 140 notices during the campaign relating to forklift safety, plant inspection and maintenance, and managing risks like rollover and collision.  

Companies in agricultural, retail, construction, manufacturing and transport industries and cover earthmoving equipment, forklifts, cranes, trucks, quad bikes, side-byside vehicles and fixed machinery. 

The focus of the campaign came after these areas were highlighted as the one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the organisation’s 2024-2025 annual statement. 

“Being hit by moving plant or vehicles or injured when working with fixed machinery are preventable hazards we see across our state and across all industries,” head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said.  

“Awareness and assessment of the risks along with implementation of safe systems of work is key to reducing incidents. This involves particular consideration of the operating environment, separation of workers and vehicles and consultation with workers to keep them safe.  

“All workers deserve to return home safely at the end of their work day. No job is too important that it can’t be done safely.” 

SafeWork NSW offers advisory services and a $1,000 small business rebate to assist with purchasing safety equipment. Businesses with less than 50 workers can book a workplace visit with a SafeWork inspector to identify risks and how to manage them. 

Information on how to reduce mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicle related hazards is available on the SafeWork NSW webpage.