Building regulators in New South Wales have stepped up enforcement activity across the construction sector, following a joint inspection and education program aimed at lifting safety standards and improving regulatory compliance.

The coordinated program, led by Building Commission NSW and SafeWork NSW, recently concluded in the Hunter region, where construction activity has been expanding rapidly. Over the course of March, inspectors from both agencies carried out audits across dozens of active worksites to assess licensing, safety practices and overall compliance.

Building Commission NSW inspectors visited 36 building sites, uncovering a mixed level of performance. Eighteen penalty infringement notices were issued for offences including unlicensed work, with fines totalling $12,000. While no formal building orders were required, most issues identified during inspections were rectified promptly, reinforcing the need for continued oversight to prevent repeat breaches.

At the same time, SafeWork NSW inspectors examined 27 worksites, placing a strong focus on high‑risk activities such as working at heights and the use of mobile plant. These inspections resulted in 57 improvement notices and five prohibition notices, highlighting serious safety concerns that required immediate action.

Inspectors also identified deficiencies in basic site management, including unsecured fencing that allowed unauthorised access, inadequate site signage and missing worker amenities such as hand‑washing facilities. These shortcomings raised concerns not only for worker safety but also for members of the public near construction zones.

The NSW Government has reaffirmed its zero‑tolerance approach to safety breaches, particularly those involving falls from height, which remain a leading cause of serious injury on building sites. Regulators stressed that even short falls can have devastating consequences and that compliance with safety requirements is non‑negotiable.

Beyond enforcement, the program placed a strong emphasis on education and future workforce standards. For the first time, the Building Commission engaged directly with school and TAFE students in the region, meeting with apprentices and young people entering the construction industry to reinforce the importance of safe and lawful work practices from the outset of their careers.

With more than 700 construction sites and around 17,000 licence holders operating across the Hunter region, authorities say maintaining high standards is critical to protecting workers, ensuring public confidence and supporting sustainable industry growth.

While most builders and contractors are doing the right thing, regulators have made it clear that unlicensed work and unsafe practices will continue to attract strong enforcement action. Further inspections and compliance campaigns are expected to continue across NSW as the state seeks to lift safety performance and accountability throughout the construction sector.

Source: Build Australia