A major joint operation between Building Commission NSW and SafeWork NSW in the Hunter Region aimed at monitoring building compliance, raising industry standards and identifying ways to better support the area's growing number of local builders has now wrapped up.
During March, staff from both agencies visited several building sites in the region, connected with local educational facilities, and visited TAFE NSW Maitland.
In the lead up to the Hunter visit, Building Commission NSW inspectors visited 36 sites, resulting in the issuing of 18 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) worth a total of $12,000.
The top offences inspectors identified during the pre-blitz inspections related to unlicensed work, with 11 PINs being issued to contractors for the offence.
Positively, no building orders were issued, with any problems identified either fixed or in the process of being rectified. Two penalty notices were issued for unlicenced contracting as well as a fine for no builder's signage.
Meanwhile, SafeWork NSW inspectors visited 27 worksites across the region to ensure businesses are protecting workers from the risks of falling from heights and being struck by falling objects and mobile plant. There were 57 improvement notices and five prohibition notices issued.
Several worksites had inadequate site security, with gaps in fences allowing unauthorised persons to enter the site. This can expose them to hazards and risks. There were also sites with inadequate or missing signage listing the contact details of the principal contractor, as well as sites which did not have toilets or handwashing facilities.
During the Hunter Region visit, Building Commission NSW also visited local high schools for the first time, connecting with students at Rutherford Technology High School and Hunter Trade College. Building Commission NSW staff shared their industry experience and career pathways with around 105 students
Building Commission NSW staff, along with NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard, also visited the TAFE NSW Maitland campus where they connected with around 100 students currently learning the ropes of their trade.
Community pop up events were also held at Charlestown Square where Building Commission NSW staff spoke with locals in a free, accessible and welcoming environment, designed to help navigate building-related concerns.
For more information on how to manage the risks of working at heights, mobile plant safety and how to how to manage psychosocial risks in construction, visit the SafeWork NSW website at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"The Hunter builds this state and there's no excuse for cutting corners. This roadshow was about being on the ground, working directly with builders to lift quality and ensure compliance across the board.
"In the Hunter, we back our workers and that means zero tolerance for unsafe sites. Every worker deserves to walk off the job in the same condition they walked on and anything less is unacceptable.
"This wasn't just about enforcement - it was about education and support. By working with local builders, apprentices and training providers, we're helping set the Hunter up with a strong, skilled and compliant workforce for the future."
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"While most businesses are doing the right thing there are still too many not adhering to work health and safety regulations, particularly relating to working at heights.
"A fall from as little as two metres can cause catastrophic injury or even death.
"The NSW Government has a zero-tolerance approach to workers lives being placed at risk and SafeWork inspectors can and will issue on the spot fines for serious safety breaches, as well as stopping work from happening on site.
"Every worker has the right to return home safely, and these inspections are about raising industry standards and ensuring building compliance to ensure the safety of workers."
Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"It's great to see the Hunter community engaging with Building Commission NSW to lift standards and boost consumer confidence across the region.
"Since Building Commission NSW was established as the dedicated regulator in 2023, it has prioritised work like this to help boost consumer confidence in the sector in every corner of NSW.
"With over 700 active construction sites and an estimated 17,000 license holders in the region, there has never been a more important time to support local practitioners in their work to build a better NSW."
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"Connecting TAFE NSW students directly with industry regulators gives them a clear understanding of the standards expected on the job from day one.
"With demand for skilled workers continuing to grow, initiatives like this are an important part of building a strong pipeline of qualified tradies in regions like the Hunter."
NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:
"It was a pleasure to get out to the Hunter to connect with so many outstanding local tradies and community members, who are doing an incredible job continuing to build this region.
"While we are generally pleased with the results from our recent inspections, the number of unlicensed workers is a concern, and something our inspectors will be cracking down on statewide."
Quotes attributable to SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer:
"While most businesses are doing the right thing and we are seeing improvements in worksite safety, there are still areas for improvement.
"Findings indicate that building companies in the Hunter need to focus on ensuring any work at heights is being undertaken safely, sites are properly fenced, pits covered, scaffolding maintained and plant and equipment secured at the end of the day. There is no excuse for unsafe practices on construction sites."
