Health & Safety · 21 September 2026
SafeWork NSW 2026 to 27 priorities: silica, asbestos and more
SafeWork NSW's new Regulatory Statement sets out where inspectors will focus, including crystalline silica in tunnelling and asbestos in construction.
SafeWork NSW released its 2026 to 27 Regulatory Statement in July 2026, setting out its priorities for the year ahead.
Focus areas include preventing exposure to hazardous substances, with attention on crystalline silica in tunnelling and infrastructure projects and asbestos in construction. The regulator also aims to lift compliance with recent legal changes, including use of the Silica Worker Register.
The statement reports that inspectors issued more than 145 silica related notices in the previous period.
What this means for you
- Working with silica? Check your dust controls and register obligations.
- Make sure crews are trained in asbestos awareness where needed.
- Expect more inspector visits on these topics.
Sources
This article summarises the following public sources in our own words. Read them for full details.
General information only, not legal advice. Check requirements with your state or territory WHS regulator.