SafeWork NSW

Riding for the Disabled, the University of Sydney and a number of innovative construction businesses are just some of the workplaces recognised as the safest in NSW for 2018.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean congratulated the winners of the 2018 SafeWork Awards, which are setting the benchmark for providing safe workplaces around the State.

“Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, regardless of their industry, occupation or background,” Mr Kean said.

The State’s most at-risk workers are the focus of a new strategy launched today by the NSW Government.

Young, migrant, culturally and linguistically diverse, and labour hire workers will be at the center of a five-year project led by SafeWork NSW.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said this strategy was another example of the Liberal National Government putting worker safety first.

“Everyone with a job in this State has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, regardless of your age, background, occupation or industry,” Mr Kean said.

A Rydalmere company and its director have been fined $67,500 after a worker’s hand was crushed while cleaning machinery.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said Zenger (Aust) Pty Ltd was fined $60,000 and its director Yan Huai Wu $7,500 in the Sydney District Court for failing to ensure the health and safety of their workers. 

“There is no excuse for this type of negligence. Businesses must have the right safety systems in place to protect their workers,” Mr Kean said.

An Auburn businessman has been fined after a 58 year old man died when he fell from a ladder while installing security cameras.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said Ru Dong Li, 53, was fined $60,000 in the Sydney District Court for failing to ensure the health and safety of a casual worker who died while in Mr Li’s employment, in June 2016.

The court heard that Li did not have a proper fall protection system in place.

Mr Kean said the incident showed that falls can happen in a split second, and have tragic consequences if safety procedures are not followed.

SafeWork inspectors have issued $115,000 in fines after a safety blitz of more than 460 construction sites in NSW.

The blitz revealed that workers were at particularly high risk of injuries related to falls.

SafeWork has also prosecuted six construction companies through the District Court, which has issued $780,000 in fines.

NSW Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said he was seriously concerned by the results and has ordered SafeWork inspectors to continue the crackdown on unsafe worksites.

Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton has announced a public inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council to investigate serious allegations relating to asbestos management and organisational governance.

A public inquiry will provide an independent, open and transparent process to determine the facts and help address the serious issues impacting on the council.

Barrister Richard Beasley, SC, has been appointed as Commissioner to conduct the inquiry. Mr Beasley has more than 30 years of experience as a legal practitioner and a comprehensive knowledge of administrative law.

SAFEWORK NSW has urged Hunter renovators to steer clear of a tradesman offering cheap asbestos removal for cash. 

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the unlicenced operator was targeting Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, quoting cheap work and accepting only cash payments. 

“I’m urging all property owners to be aware of an unlicenced trader in the region who is offering quick and cheap quotes for asbestos removal,” Mr Kean said.

SafeWork NSW is cracking down on illegal fireworks on the long weekend after last year's New Year's Eve display at Terrigal. An investigation has found the pyrotechnician on the barge was not licensed.

Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean told STAR FM everyone needs to stay safe.

People are being urged to uphold high safety standards at work on International Day of Mourning.

Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean told 2SM he wants to ensure everyone who goes to work in the morning comes back safely at night.

A meat exporter and a labour hire company have been fined a combined $105,000 after a man’s arm was injured by a factory meat processor, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.

Hunter Valley-based meat exporter E.C Throsby Pty Ltd and Mondex Group Pty Ltd of Newcastle both pleaded guilty to failing to protect the health and safety of workers in relation to the 2014 incident.

Mr Kean said a 22-year-old cleaner employed by Mondex was cleaning an industrial meat processor at a Whittingham meat processing facility when it was activated.